2024-03-29T04:27:06Z
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/?_action=export&rf=summon&issue=4057
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Role of Interleukin 1- Alpha in Pulmonary Toxic Effect among Silica Exposed Workers
Safaa
EL-Shanawany
Manal
Abdel-Aziz
Abeer
A S
Sally
El-Akkary
Mona
Moustafa
Background: Silicosis refers to a spectrum of pulmonary diseases attributed to inhalation of free crystalline silicon dioxide. It entails inflammatory response in which Interleukin-1 alpha is a key mediator. Objectives: to evaluate the role of interleukin-1α (IL-1α) as a biochemical marker for detection of pulmonary toxic effects of silica in relation to clinical and radiological manifestations among exposed workers. Methods: The study was conducted on 64 male workers exposed to silica dust assigned to El-Harareyat Factory of Alexandria. An interviewing questionnaire was used to collect data about personal, occupational and medical characteristics. Pulmonary function testing, plain chest radiographs and laboratory assessment of serum level of IL-1α were done for all workers. IL-1α was assessed also among a matched control group. Results: Prevalence of silicosis was 37.5%. Serum IL-1α level among silica-exposed workers was 2.8±1.8 pg/ml while it was undetected among a control group of healthy males. IL-1α was positively correlated with wheezes, negatively correlated with FVC, FEV1, MMEF, FEF50%, positively correlated with extent of nodular opacities in lung zones and presence of enlarged and calcified hilar lymph nodes. Conclusion: IL-1α can be a good monitoring marker for the earliest sign of silicosis; hilar lymphadenopathy.
silica
Interleukin-1 Alpha
pulmonary
toxicity
Occupational
2011
10
01
382
402
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20169_cf6b92c19190356d73227059370bb7d4.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Isolation and Characterization of some Bacteriophages and their Associated Bacteria in Sea Food: Phage-Host Interaction
Sahar
Hassan
Background: Economic loss due to diseases is a major problem in aquaculture. A number of bacterial illnesses may arise from the consumption of sea food that has been contaminated at source or during the processing. Objective: This study aims to isolate and characterize some bacteriophages specific for the most common sea food pathogens in addition to their associated bacteria. The work also extended to study the host-phage interaction and the potential use of phages as antibacterial agents to control sea food infecting pathogens. Methods: Estimation of Vibrio spp and Aeromonas spp. in addition to their associated phages in different sources of sea food such as fish (Tilapia sp.), clam (Tapes decussatns) and crab (Callinectes sapidus) was carried out. Results: Crab exhibited the highest counts (200 CFU/g) of Vibrio spp., while the highest counts of Vibriophages (1500 PFU/g) were detected in clam. Fish harbored the highest counts (30 CFU/g) and (3000 PFU/g) of Aeromonas spp. and Aeromonas phages, respectively. Three different phages (VPS1, APS2 and APS3) in addition to the isolated bacteria were characterized. Results showed that VPS1, APS2 and APS3 were different, which was confirmed by molecular characterization using RAPD-PCR and the protein profile. APS3 was entrapped into calcium alginate beads and tested as antibacterial agent against Aeromonas hydrophila. Efficiency of APS3 was superior to the free particles (p<0.05) and realized 2.7 fold decrease in bacterial growth rate. Phage seeded beads were recycled for 7 successive cycles. Their activity was reduced up on reuse. Conclusion & Recommendations: This study revealed that phages remain an excellent potential tool for control of bacterial pathogens. Further research and manipulation of the isolated phages could produce novel effective biocontrol agents of sea food infectious diseases in marine aquaculture systems.
Bacteriophages
Characterization
entrapment
phage-host interaction
Antibacterial activity
2011
10
01
403
424
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20170_bde3837873c4260fc36a94b1f466a2b1.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Air Pollution Index of Total Suspended Particulates and its Health Concerns at a Heavy Traffic Street in Alexandria, Egypt: Case Study
Gehan R
Zaki
Background: Air pollution index is not applied in Egypt up till now. Objectives: This study is a trial to apply the concept of air pollution index (API) to assess the air quality and its health concerns at one of the heavy traffic streets in Alexandria; Egypt. Methods: This was a case study that was conducted over one year, the setting of which was one of the heavy traffic streets. The total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was sampled using "High Volume Air Sampler," for 24 hours/day with simultaneous measurement of local meteorological parameters. Results: The total suspended particulates exceeded the National Standards during 78 measurement days out of 84 (92.9%). Application of air pollution index revealed that 19% of the measurement days were of good air quality, 28.6% harmful for sensitive groups, 20.2% unhealthful for the public, 15.5% very unhealthy, and 16.7% hazardous to the public. Conclusion: Traffic concentrations of TSP at the streets under study exceeded the Egyptian National Standards during all weekdays and all months throughout the year. The air quality during the working days (Sunday to Thursday) was unhealthy to the general population. The API was the highest during Spring Season. Application of an air pollution control strategy with generalization and communication of air pollution index in Egypt were recommended.
Air pollution index
Air Quality
total suspended particulate
traffic pollution
sensitive groups
2011
10
01
425
438
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20172_12b0b86557844efe270d8d59f4a43877.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Relationship between Nutritional Pattern and Occurrence of Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia among Primigravidae
Faaeza
Abdel-Fattah
Fatma
Shuaib
Maha
El-Habashy
Olfat
Darwish
Background: Nutritional status during pregnancyinfluences the course of pregnancy, fetal development, and long-term health of the mother and child. Nutritional deficiencies are common in women of reproductive age in developing countries. Epidemiological and biological evidence suggest that acute or chronic specific nutritional deficiencies can contribute to severe maternal morbidity such as pre-eclampsia. Early detection through simple screening measures and diligent prenatal care can predict or prevent many effects of pre-eclampsia. Therefore, seeking early and regular prenatal care throughout pregnancy is essential. Objectives: to find out the relationship between nutritional status and occurrence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia among primigravidae. Methods: in an exploratory, descriptive, retrospective study, a convenient sample of 120 pregnant womenwas picked up from the high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinics, pre-eclamptic unit and ICU of El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital and Gamal Abdel Nasser Health Insurance Hospital. The study subjects were divided equally into pre-eclamptic and non pre-eclamptic groups. Inclusion criteria included age between 20-35 years, primigravida, from 20-40 weeks of gestation, have no previous medical diseases and willing to participate in the study. Two validated tools were developed and used by the researchers to collect the necessary data; an interview schedule to collect basic data such as socio-demographic characteristics and history of pregnancy and nutritional status assessment sheet to assess nutritional habits and daily dietary intake. Results: calcium and folic acid supplementations were less taken by the study group, compared to the control group. Hemoglobin level and number of meals/day were statistically lower among the study group, compared to the control group. Animal proteins, fruits and vegetables were also statistically occasionally taken by the study group, compared to the control group. In addition, daily consumption of fats, proteins, iron, vitamins A, B1 and B2 was statistically less than daily requirement among the study group, compared to the control group. Conclusion: less adequate daily intake of proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables among the pre-eclamptic group was a factor in the incidence of pre-eclampsia. In addition, lack of diet rich calcium and calcium supplementation during pregnancy increased the risk of pre-eclampsia. Moreover, low hemoglobin level was significantly linked tothe occurrence of pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia was also associated with insufficient daily intake of vitamins in the diet such as vitamin A, B1 & B2.
nutritional pattern
pre- eclampsia
Primigravidae
2011
10
01
439
458
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20174_9cc802f73e6133c1bb2ad0c4f888827c.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Assessment of Embarrassments to Safety Aspects of Life of Patients after Performing Colostomy Operations, in Two Egyptian Societies
Samia
Abd El-Rahman
Sohier
Abdel Ali
Background: Stoma operations have been shown to be associated with a lot of body life style and emotional alterations which affect the safety aspects of life of patients after performing colostomy. Colostomies or ileostomies are performed to people of different ages ranging from infants to the elderly for different causes. Whether the stoma is permanent or temporary, it is difficult to adjust patients and their partners. This study is carried out among those who had stoma, and focused on their understanding the frustrations and fears of the patients. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to study patients' perspective positive aspects of practicing colostomy. The study will also help to answer the stoma patients' worrying questions and identify the most frequent problems that affect their safety aspects of life negatively. Methods: The study enrolled 75 adults and old adult patients who performed colostomy operation. They included both sexes attending outpatient clinics of the two study settings. Patients were taken from two hospitals in Alexandria and one hospital in El-Menia . A structured questionnaire interview was done to obtain information on patients. Stoma examination was done to assess the lumen mucosa and its functions and the skin around the stoma. Altered sexual life and its psychological responses were assessed by asking the patients directly. Results: The results revealed that half of the patients (50.8%) were old adults (³ 40 years) with mean score 37.81±13.13. Married patients constituted 54% while unmarried were 29 (46%) with mean score of 2.38±0.02. Illiterate and read and write patients collectively represented half of the patients(30.2% and 20.6% respectively). The relationship between diagnosis, types of colostomy and pouching system and gender was not statistically significant. Similarly, the relationship between diagnosis, types of colostomy pouching system, educational level and setting was not statistically significant. All aspects of sexual & psychological alteration and gender showed highly statistically significant difference. Conclusion: 53.3% of ostomy operations were done for male cancer and 46.7% for females. Postoperative sexual dysfunction was common in both sexes due to presence of stoma, stress, difficulty to reach orgasm, dryness, erectile dysfunction and infertility. These alterations lead to a negative impact on patients' safety and quality of life.
Assessment
Colostomy
operations
old adults
safety life style
Egyptian societies
2011
10
01
459
472
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20176_511bbdaef92c11218c8657b5d5ed4e5e.pdf
Journal of High Institute of Public Health
2357-0601
2357-0601
2011
41
4
Maternal Deaths in Giza in the New Millennium: A Hospital Based Retrospective Study
Arwa
El-Shafei
Mostafa
Mostafa
Ahmed
Abdallah
Faida
Abdel Latif
Background: Health institutions need to contribute their quota towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) with respect to maternal health. In order to do so, current data on maternal mortality are essential for health care providers and policy makers to study the burden of the problem and understand how best to distribute resources. This study presents the magnitude and distribution of the causes of the maternal deaths at the beginning of the 21st century in an Egyptian general hospital and derives recommendations to reduce their frequency. Objectives: to identify and assess the factors contributing to maternal mortality, especially the hospital-relevant ones, and to determine the most preventable causes in order to reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) calculated for Embaba General Hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective study of mortality records of obstetric cases at Embaba General Hospital during the period between (January 1st 2001) and (December 31st 2010). Results: There were 41 maternal deaths and 52096 live births during the study period. Thirty six mothers (87.8%) died due to direct causes while only five deaths(12.2%) were due to indirect maternal causes. The major causes of deaths were obstetric haemorrhage (56.1%), pulmonary embolization (17.0%) and eclampsia (12.2%). The maternal mortality ratio was 78.7 per 100,000 live births. Conclusion: In the first decade of the new millennium, a large number of pregnant women receiving care continued to die from preventable causes of maternal deaths. Adoption of evidence-based protocol for the management of hemorrhage and improvement in the quality of obstetric care of emergencies would go a long way to significantly reduce the frequency of maternal deaths at this hospital.
Maternal Mortality
MDG
2011
10
01
473
487
https://jhiphalexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_20178_65a50b0c96918c8b696b8755986512e0.pdf