Ultrasound imaging of core muscles activity in multiparous women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study.

Vaginal laxity (VL) is a common condition among multiparous women, especially those who have delivered vaginally. Since pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) work synergistically with other core muscles, physical therapy protocols that aim to treat VL should train the PFMs in combination with other core muscles. To investigate the activity of core muscles in multiparous women with and without VL, and its relation to sexual function. An observational, cross-sectional study. The study included 100 multiparous women, who were divided into two groups according to their scores on the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ). Women who scored between 1 and 3 on the VLQ were categorized as having VL (n = 48), while those who scored between 5 and 7 were placed in the control group (n = 52). The primary outcomes were PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, transversus abdominis activation ratio, and lumbar multifidus thickness measured by ultrasound imaging. The secondary outcome was sexual functioning, evaluated using the Arabic female sexual function index (ArFSFI). The VL group had significantly lower PFM displacement (mean difference (MD) - 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.49 to - 0.33; p = 0.001), diaphragmatic excursion (MD - 2.75; 95% CI - 2.95 to - 2.55; p = 0.001), lumbar multifidus thickness (MD - 10.08; 95% CI - 14.32 to - 5.82; p = 0.02), and ArFSFI scores (MD - 9.2; 95% CI - 10.59 to - 7.81; p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the transversus abdominis activation ratio demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups (MD 0.06; 95% CI - 0.05 to 0.17; p = 0.33). Multiparous women with VL had significantly lower PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, lumbar multifidus thickness, and sexual function index scores than women in the control group. The only exception was transversus abdominis activation, which did not differ significantly between the VL and control groups.

Nanoformulation-Based 1,2,3-Triazole Sulfonamides for Anti-Toxoplasma In Vitro Study.

Toxoplasma gondii is deemed a successful parasite worldwide with a wide range of hosts. Currently, a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine serves as the first-line treatment; however, these drugs have serious adverse effects. Therefore, it is imperative to focus on new therapies that produce the desired effect with the lowest possible dose. The designation and synthesis of sulfonamide-1,2,3-triazole hybrids (3a-c) were performed to create hybrid frameworks. The newly synthesized compounds were loaded on chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) to form nanoformulations (3a.CNP, 3b.CNP, 3c.CNP) for further in vitro investigation as an anti-Toxoplasma treatment. The current study demonstrated that all examined compounds were active against T. gondii in vitro relative to the control drug, sulfadiazine. 3c.CNP showed the best impact against T. gondii with the lowest IC50 value of 3.64 µg/mL. Using light microscopy, it was found that Vero cells treated with the three nanoformulae showed remarkable morphological improvement, and tachyzoites were rarely seen in the treated cells. Moreover, scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies confirmed the efficacy of the prepared nanoformulae on the parasites. All of them caused parasite ultrastructural damage and altered morphology, suggesting a cytopathic effect and hence confirming their promising anti-Toxoplasma activity.

Sulfadiazine analogs: anti-Toxoplasma in vitro study of sulfonamide triazoles.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that prevails all over the world and is caused by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Promising novel compounds for the treatment of T. gondii are introduced in the current investigation. In order to test their in vitro potency against T. gondii tachyzoites, six 1,2,3-triazoles-based sulfonamide scaffolds with terminal NH2 or OH group were prepared and investigated as sulfadiazine equivalents. When compared to sulfadiazine, which served as a positive control, hybrid molecules showed much more anti-Toxoplasma activity. The results showed that the IC50 of the examined compounds 3(a-f) were recoded as 0.07492 µM, 0.07455 µM, 0.0392 µM, 0.03124 µM, 0.0533 µM, and 0.01835 µM, respectively, while the sulfadiazine exhibited 0.1852 µM. The studied 1,2,3-triazole-sulfadrug molecular conjugates 3(a-f) revealed selectivity index of 10.4, 8.9, 25.4, 21, 8.3, and 29; respectively. The current study focused on the newly synthesized amino derivatives 3(d-f), as they contain the more potent amino groups which are recognized to be essential elements and promote better biological activity. Extracellular tachyzoites underwent striking morphological alterations after 2 h of treatment as seen by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the intracellular tachyzoite exposed to the newly synthesized amino derivatives 3(d-f) for a 24-h period of treatment revealed damaged and altered morphology by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) indicating cytopathic effects. Moreover, compound 3f underwent the most pronounced changes, indicating that it had the strongest activity against T. gondii.

Sonocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of diesel oil using a novel BiVO4/FeMn LDH nanocomposite.

A novel BiVO4/FeMn layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite was fabricated and applied for green and efficient ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAODS) of real fuel (hydrotreated oil). The physicochemical properties of the prepared BiVO4/FeMn LDH nanocomposites are elucidated using techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, BET, SEM, XPS, Raman, and TGA. The desulfurization results revealed that both BiVO4 and FeMn LDH were crucial in the UAODS process in the presence of H2O2 as a green oxidant and acetonitrile as an extracting solvent. The desulfurization activity was optimized by varying the process conditions (time, catalyst weight, type of oxidant, O/S molar ratio, ratio of solvent to oil, and type of sonicator). The prepared nanocomposite exhibited remarkable desulfurization performance, reaching up to 99.8% under the optimized reaction conditions. Moreover, the catalyst exhibited high stability and could be reused four times without a notable decline in the performance. Significantly, this research reveals the robustness of the newly synthesized nanocomposite for efficient UAODS in a short time and low catalyst dosage. The proposed desulfurization mechanism was investigated.

Varietal susceptibility of certain broad bean seeds to infestation with Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae).

Seeds susceptibility of eight broad bean varieties to Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) infestation were studied for the first time in free- and no-choice methods in the laboratory of Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University. The relation between certain seed physical characteristics and some biological and and infestation parameters of both insects in the two studied methods were evaluated. None of these varieties were resistant to both insects, showing various levels of susceptibility. Biological and infestation parameters were significantly different among varieties except the developmental period. In free- choice method, Giza 3 was the most susceptible variety to both insects, since produced the highest progeny of 246.67 and 75.67 adults and susceptibility index (SI) of 10.25 and 7.42, respectively, while the least susceptible variety was Giza 716. In no- choice method, Nubaria 5 and Sakha 1 were the most susceptible varieties to C. chinensis, while Nubaria 3 and Giza 3 to C. maculatus. Differences between physical characters of varieties were significant. Seed hardness were correlated negatively and seed coat thickness positively with laid eggs, progeny and (SI) of both insects in free-choice method. Also seed coat thickness correlated positively with weight loss and seed damage (%) of C. chinensis and negatively of C. maculatus. To reduce seed losses the cultivation of the least susceptible variety (Giza 716) is encouraged and considered for breeding purposes to avoid insecticide usage.

Impact of weight loss on sexual and psychological functions and quality of life in females with sexual dysfunction: A forgotten avenue.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of weight loss on sexual and psychological health as well as quality of life in females with sexual dysfunction. Materials and methods: The study was done at Delta University for Science and Technology in Gamasa, Egypt, on 40 obese married females having sexual dysfunction. Their age ranged from 20 to 40 years old, with a mean of 28.98 ± 4.96 years. They followed a weight loss program in the form of diet regimen and physical training for 6 months. Anthropometric measures, Arabic Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Arabic version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Arabic version of Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were evaluated prior to starting the study, after 3 and 6 months of the study. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant reductions in anthropometric measures, as well as significant improvements in HADS and SF-36 scores after both 3 and 6 months of weight loss intervention compared to the baseline measurements, while there were significant improvements in sexual arousal, lubrication, patient satisfaction as well as the total score of FSFI after 3 months and contrarily there were no statistically significant changes in any of the FSFI's domains or overall score after 6 months of the weight loss program compared to baseline. Conclusion: Weight loss improves females' anthropometric measures, psychological function and quality of life; however, it has no direct effect on female sexual dysfunction (FSD) after 6 months compared to baseline, so increased awareness of FSD is necessary as this issue suffers from inadequate identification and management.

Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among married Egyptian women: a multicenter primary healthcare study.

BACKGROUND: Depression affects about 3.8% of the world's population. Although marriage may contribute to subjective well-being, some marital variables could increase women's risk for depression. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their correlates among married females attending primary healthcare facilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a purposive sample of 371 married women at the primary healthcare centers, Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. In this study, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and marital satisfaction using the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (EMS). Standardized measurements of weight and height were performed. RESULTS: According to the PHQ-9 diagnostic criteria, the prevalence of depressive symptoms among the studied married females was 30.2%. The significant predictors of depressive symptoms were advanced husbands' ages, living with an extended family, exposure to spousal verbal violence, high body weight, and low marital satisfaction levels. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of married Egyptian women experienced depressive symptoms. In addition to high body weight, some social and marital factors contributed to the increase in women's vulnerability to depressive symptoms. Egyptian primary healthcare physicians should be trained to identify females with depressive symptoms and refer them to specialists if need be. To combat depression in women, it may be helpful to construct qualified marital counseling centers. This may improve marital satisfaction, decrease the negative consequences of spousal violence, and ensure the value of independence for new families.

Worry from contracting COVID-19 infection and its stigma among Egyptian health care providers.

BACKGROUNDS: Healthcare providers (HCPs) in COVID-19 epidemic face stressful workload of disease management, shortage of protective equipment and high risk of infection and mortality. These stressors affect greatly their mental health. The aim is to identify working conditions among Egyptian HCPs during COVID-19 epidemic as well as stigma and worry perceptions from contracting COVID-19 infection and their predictors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 565 HCPs. Data was collected through Google online self-administered questionnaire comprised seven parts: demographics characteristics, knowledge and attitude of COVID-19, working condition, worry of contracting COVID-19 at work, discrimination intention at work for COVID-19 patients, stigma assessment using impact stigma, and internalized shame scales. RESULTS: The vast majority of HCPs (94.7%) were worried from contracting COVID-19 at work. Risk factors for perceiving severe worry from contracting COVID-19 were expecting infection as a severe illness, believing that infection will not be successfully controlled, improbability to continue working during the pandemic even if in a well/fit health, high discrimination intention and impact stigma scales. Significantly high impact stigma scores were detected among those aged < 30 years, females, workers primarily in sites susceptible for contracting COVID-19 infection, those had severe worry from contracting infection at work, and high internalized shame scale. The risk factors for perceiving higher internalized shame scores were not having a previous experience in working during a pandemic, high discrimination intention towards COVID-19 patients and high impact stigma scale. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable levels of worry and stigma were detected among Egyptian HCPs during COVID-19 outbreak. The psychological aspect of health care providers should not be overlooked during epidemic; appropriate institutional mental health support should be provided especially for young HCPs, those without previous work experience in epidemic and those who work in high-risk units. Raising the community awareness about contribution of HCPs in fighting the epidemic might decrease stigmatization action toward HCPs.

Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence among Women Attending Different Primary Health Centers in Aljouf Region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and widespread problem worldwide. IPV can seriously influence the physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health of women as well as the welfare of their children. In the Middle East, IPV is pervasive and widely acceptable. The present study was done to determine the prevalence and correlates of IPV among women attending different primary health centers in the Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 Saudi women attending different primary health centers in the Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. A structured anonymous questionnaire was distributed to the targeted population during a face-to-face interview. Data analysis was done using the SPSS program, version 24. RESULTS: The present study showed that 30.3% of the participants had been exposed to IPV over the last year. Concerning the types of violence, the present study revealed that emotional violence is the highest followed by physical and then sexual violence representing 92.6%, 67.2%, and 44.3%, respectively. The significant predictors of IPV were women with one to three children (OR = 7.322, p-value = 0.006), women with four children or more (OR = 13.463, p-value = 0.006), and women married to husbands with aggressive behavior (OR = 98.703, p-value < 0.001). Not taking the approval on marriage was significantly associated with more exposure to violence (OR = 3.190, p-value = 0.042). In addition, husband smoking status was a significant predictor for IPV (OR = 2.774, p-value = 0.012). However, women married to alcoholic drinkers had a significantly lower risk for exposure to IPV (OR = 0.108, p-value = 0.040). On the other hand, women's age, marital status, women's educational level, monthly income in RS, perception of income sufficiency, marriage duration, the age difference between women and their husband, and drug abuse status of the husband were not significant predictors of IPV (p-value ≥ 0.05). Sociocultural effects were the most frequent reason for IPV as reported by the participants (57.4%). The most common consequences of IPV were psychological problems (75.4%) and injuries (42.6%). Women's reactions to IPV were leaving home (32.8%) or no reaction (36.8%) to retain their marriage. CONCLUSIONS: IPV remains an important public health problem among married women in this study area. Urgent interventions including educational and screening programs for Saudi women are required to mitigate the problem.

Structural Insights and Docking Analysis of Adamantane-Linked 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives as Potential 11ß-HSD1 Inhibitors.

The solid-state structural analysis and docking studies of three adamantane-linked 1,2,4-triazole derivatives are presented. Crystal structure analyses revealed that compound 2 crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group, while compounds 1 and 3 crystallize in the same monoclinic P21/c space group. Since the only difference between them is the para substitution on the aryl group, the electronic nature of these NO2 and halogen groups seems to have no influence over the formation of the solid. However, a probable correlation with the size of the groups is not discarded due to the similar intermolecular disposition between the NO2/Cl substituted molecules. Despite the similarities, CE-B3LYP energy model calculations show that pairwise interaction energies vary between them, and therefore the total packing energy is affected. HOMO-LUMO calculated energies show that the NO2 group influences the reactivity properties characterizing the molecule as soft and with the best disposition to accept electrons. Further, in silico studies predicted that the compounds might be able to inhibit the 11ß-HSD1 enzyme, which is implicated in obesity and diabetes. Self- and cross-docking experiments revealed that a number of non-native 11ß-HSD1 inhibitors were able to accurately dock within the 11ß-HSD1 X-ray structure 4C7J. The molecular docking of the adamantane-linked 1,2,4-triazoles have similar predicted binding affinity scores compared to the 4C7J native ligand 4YQ. However, they were unable to form interactions with key active site residues. Based on these docking results, a series of potentially improved compounds were designed using computer aided drug design tools. The docking results of the new compounds showed similar predicted 11ß-HSD1 binding affinity scores as well as interactions to a known potent 11ß-HSD1 inhibitor.

Peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus: what can neuromuscular ultrasonography (NMUS) tell us? A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate peripheral nerve involvement in patients with SLE with neuromuscular ultrasonography (NMUS) and understand its role in investigating SLE-related peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study on patients with SLE and healthy controls. Five nerves in each patient were examined bilaterally with NMUS, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of each nerve at certain sites was estimated. The mean CSA at each site, for each nerve, in each group was statistically analysed and compared between groups. RESULTS: 370 nerves were evaluated in 37 patients. By nerve conduction study (NCS), 36 patients had polyneuropathy (80.6% mixed type, 19.4% sensory). Significant mean CSA enlargement was present among the ulnar nerve at the Guyon's canal and mid-humerus (both p=0.001); tibial nerve at the distal leg and proximal to the tarsal tunnel (p=0.003 and p=0.001, respectively); and peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa (p=0.042). The mean CSA showed high specificity compared with NCS. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that CSA could be a complementary tool to NCS for studying peripheral neuropathy in SLE. Furthermore, NMUS provides data on the different pathophysiological aspects of nerve involvement in SLE. Future studies using more than one sonographic parameter in combination with NCS and nerve histopathology are recommended to further investigate SLE-related neuropathy.Trial registration number NCT04527172.

Prevalence and predictors of colour vision defects among Egyptian university students.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, widespread usage of colours increases the need for accurate estimation of colour vision defects and their effect on performing daily activities and study/work tasks. AIMS: To determine the prevalence and predictors of colour vision defects among Assiut university students and to identify their relationship with self-reported visual function and perceived difficulties in performing daily activities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1426 students at Assiut University, Egypt. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire consisting of: personal characteristics, prior awareness of colour vision defects, difficulties in daily colour vision activities, and visual function. Colour vision was assessed using Ishihara's test of colour deficiency. RESULTS: The prevalence of colour vision defects among students was 6.9% (red-green colour vision was 4.3% and total colour blindness was 2.6%). Students with colour vision defects had significantly higher odds ratios for difficulties in daily activities and study/work tasks related to colour perception. Students with colour vision defects had significantly lower mean values of general health, role difficulties, and colour vision scores compared to students with normal colour insight. Male sex and family history of colour vision defects were risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: A non-negligible percentage of Egyptian university students had colour vision defects, which had a negative impact on performing daily activities, executing study/work tasks, and choice of study/work specialties. Colour vision defects affected quality of life with regard to general health, role difficulties and colour vision. Male sex and family history of colour vision defects are nonmodifiable risk factors. This emphasizes the need for genetic counselling, especially in consanguineous marriage.

Effect of neurogenic acupoint cupping on high sensitive C-reactive protein and pain perception in female chronic pelvic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of neurogenic acupoint dry cupping therapy on high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, pain perception & intensity, and life impact of pelvic pain in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), with regard to the biological and neurophysiological impacts of dry cupping on acupoint. METHODS: Thirty women with CPP were randomly divided into two equal groups; the study group received dry cupping on neurogenic acupoints plus lifestyle modifications for 8 weeks (n=15), while the control group received only lifestyle modifications for 8 weeks (n=15). Women were assessed pre- and post-rehabilitation program with the hs-CRP blood test, the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the pelvic pain impact questionnaire (PPIQ). RESULTS: Comparing both groups post-treatment revealed that there were significant reductions in levels of hs-CRP, and scores of SF-MPQ & PPIQ (p<0.05) in the study group compared with the control group. Also, there were significant positive correlations between hs-CRP and both SF-MPQ "Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Present Pain Intensity (PPI) index & Pain Rating Index (PRI)" and PPIQ (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Neurogenic acupoint cupping therapy had significantly improving effects on the degree of inflammation, pain perception & intensity, and life impact of pelvic pain in women with CPP.

Stigma and burden of mental illness and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Family caregivers play a curial role in supporting and caring for their mentally ill relatives. Their struggle for facing stigma and shouldering caregiving burden is marginalized, undervalued, and invisible to medical services. This study assessed the stigma and burden of mental illnesses, and their correlates among family caregivers of mentally ill patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 425 main family caregivers of mentally ill patients at Assiut University Hospital. A structured interview questionnaire was designed to collect socio-demographic data of both patients and their caregivers. Stigma scale for caregivers of people with mental illness (CPMI) was used to assess the affiliate stigma, while the associative stigma was assessed by the explanatory model interview catalogue stigma scale (EMIC-Stigma scale). The caregivers' burden was assessed using Zarit burden Interview, and Modified Attitude toward Mental Illness Questionnaire was used to assess caregivers' knowledge and attitude towards mental illness. RESULTS: Bipolar disorder (48%) and schizophrenia/other related psychotic disorders (42.8%) were the most common mental illnesses among the study patients. The mean scores of CPMI total scale, EMIC-Stigma scale, and Zarit Burden scale were 56.80 ± 7.99, 13.81 ± 5.42, and 55.20 ± 9.82, respectively. The significant correlates for affiliate stigma were being parents of patients (ß = 4.529, p < 0.001), having higher associate stigma (ß = 0.793, p < 0.001), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill patients (ß = 1.343, p = 0.038). The significant correlates for associate stigma of the study caregivers were being caregivers' relatives other than parents (ß = 1.815, p = 0.006), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.431, p < 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude towards mental illness (ß = - 0.158, p = 0.002), and aggressive behavior of mentally ill relatives (ß = 1.332, p = 0.005). The correlates for the high burden were being male (ß = 3.638, p = 0.006), non-educated caregiver (ß = 1.864, p = 0.045), having high affiliate stigma (ß = 0.467, p < 0.001), having high associative stigma (ß = 0.409, p < 0.001), having poor knowledge and negative attitude toward mental illness (ß = - 0.221, p = 0.021), seeking traditional healers and non-psychiatrist's care from the start (ß = 2.378, p = 0.018), and caring after young mentally ill relatives (ß = - 0.136, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The studied caregivers suffered from stigma and a high level of burden. Psycho-educational programs directed toward family caregivers are highly recommended.

Perceived Barriers and Awareness of Mammography Screening Among Saudi Women Attending Primary Health Centers.

PURPOSE: Mammography screening (MS) is an underutilized screening tool; although it is provided free of charge to the Saudi community. The present study aimed at assessing knowledge and barriers of mammography screening among women attending primary health centers in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 423 women aged 41-75 years attending ten primary health centers in Aljouf region, Saudi Arabia. Structured interviewing questionnaires were used for data collection. SPSS program, version 24 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The least reported risk factors of BC in this study were early menarche (14.9%), first pregnancy after the age of 30 years (18%), and late menopause (18.7%). Concerning knowledge of MS, 50.8% of the women correctly identified that mammogram is the ideal method for detecting BC. The most encountered personal barriers towards MS were lack of information about mammogram (69.5%), fear of exposure to radiation (67.4%), fear of discovery of BC (62.9%), being busy all the time (62.2%), and fear of cancer treatment (61.9%). Regarding economic barriers, 40% of the participants reported that taking sick leave from work is difficult while 37.8% revealed that mammogram is costly. Concerning health system barriers, the most common barriers were fear of error in diagnosis (62.6%), long time to take medical appointment (57%), and preferring not to have a mammogram except after a doctor recommendation (52.7%). The present study showed that women's education and residence significantly predicted their knowledge. Furthermore, women's education and income significantly predicted their barriers towards MS. CONCLUSION: Many barriers toward mammography screening were encountered in the present study. Addressing these barriers and raising awareness about MS may be of great value to increase its uptake by Saudi women.

Views and attitudes of university students in Upper Egypt towards youth health centers.

BACKGROUND: A healthy youth is considered the major human resource for any country development. They are suffering from unmet health needs. Considering these needs and their attitude towards the use of youth health center (YHC) services would help to improve both the quality and quantity of these services. OBJECTIVES: To identify the students' perceived health needs and their attitude towards use of the YHCs in Assiut University campus, Upper Egypt a cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 randomly selected university students. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of the students (80%) said that youth have special health needs. The most reported needs were psychological support, health education on different topics including reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases, and nutritional services respectively. There was a high perception among surveyed students (71.5%) that the existing health services are inadequate for meeting their needs. Counseling, laboratory services, and premarital examination were the most frequently reported services mentioned by youth to be offered in YHCs. The majority (78.1%) preferred the health provider to be of the same sex. Despite the prevailing conservative culture in Upper Egypt, the students had positive attitude towards availability of sexual and reproductive information and establishment of a YHC in the university campus. A low awareness rate (15.1%) about the already existing YHC in university campus was revealed. CONCLUSION: University students perceived that there are unmet needs for youth-specialized services, mainly for providing sexual and reproductive information, and establishment of an on-campus YHC. The study provides important information for policymakers about the perspectives of youth which should be taken into consideration when new YHC are planned and implemented.

Synthesis and crystal structure of 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-(2-bromo-4-fluoro-phen-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione.

In the title compound, C18H19BrFN3S, the 1,2,4-triazole ring is nearly planar with a maximum deviation of -0.009 (3) and 0.009 (4) Å, respectively, for the S-bound C atom and the N atom bonded to the bromo-fluoro-phenyl ring. The phenyl and triazole rings are almost perpendicular to each other, forming a dihedral angle of 89.5 (2)°. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯π(phen-yl) inter-actions, forming supra-molecular chains extending along the c-axis direction. The crystal packing is further consolidated by inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds and by weak C-H⋯S inter-actions, yielding double chains propagating along the a-axis direction. The crystal studied was refined as a racemic twin.