Al-Azhar University Research Articles

Effect of iron deficiency on behavior and cognition in children

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common trace element deficiency in childhood. More than 25% of the world’s population is affected by anemia, of which more than 50% suffers from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron deficiency can cause changes in neurotransmitter homeostasis, decrease myelin production, impair synaptogenesis, and decline the function of the basal ganglia. Therefore, IDA adversely affects cognitive functions and psychomotor development. Aim: is to study the effect of iron deficiency on behavior and cognitive function in children using conners parent rating scales and P300 event-related potentials (ERPs). Patients and Methods: This is a cross sectional comparative study included 20 children with iron deficiency, 20 children ​with iron deficiency anemia,and 20 healthy children who attended the pediatric out patient’s clinic and inpatient department of Al-Zahraa hospital –Alazhar University for Girls we include children with iron deficiency ,Children with chronic medical conditions,Children with co-morbid psychiatric diagnoses ,children with any form of psychiatric, physical, developmental or Intellectual disability, chronic underlying disease (e.g. inborn error of metabolism, genetic, endocrine or liver disease, vision or hearing impairment) or neurologic disorders were excluded from the study.

Soundscape Assessment for Indoor Spaces: A case of the Higher Education Environment

As a concept, an indoor soundscape is an innovative approach to building environments with a shape that "sounds good," meeting the preferences and needs of the occupants and established according to their unique indoor soundscape perception. This paper presents the assessment of the indoor soundscape regarding objective acoustic parameters such as the equivalent noise levels (Leq) and the reverberation time (RT), and subjective method including a questionnaire survey (n = 403) in three buildings of Engineering in Al-Azhar university. The data analyses were conducted using SPSS v.21 statistical software. Overall, results show that indoor assessment is associated with five factors that are: acoustic environment factors, demographics and social factors, sound sources, duration and time of measurement, and non-acoustic parameters. The conceptual framework showed the relations between the acoustic environment, built environment, and auditory perception of university students and staff. Various buildings present a series of acoustic problems based on different activities that change the perception of users, so the outcomes feature the importance in the future considering the type of activity as a key factor in assessing the effects of noise on humans.

Persepsi Mahasiswa Program Studi Gizi Terhadap Program Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka di Lingkungan Universitas Al-Azhar Indonesia

<p><em><strong>Kebijakan Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) is the Right to Study for Three Semesters Outside the Study Program. The MBKM policy is expected to be able to answer challenges and opportunities for the development of innovation, creativity, capacity, personality, and student needs, as well as develop independence in seeking and finding knowledge through realities and field dynamics. The purpose of this population survey is to determine the impact of MBKM in the Nutrition Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al Azhar University Indonesia, and provide policy recommendations from the study program level related to the implementation of MBKM at Al Azhar University Indonesia. The perception of most students of the Nutrition Studies Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Al Azhar Indonesia towards the MBKM was the program is important, and it can provide additional competencies (problem-solving, problem analysis, and work ethics) and train students' soft skills. However, on the other hand, there are obstacles to its implementation, considering that the Nutrition Study Program is one of the Health Study Programs. In addition, the socialization of the MBKM program related to health study programs is still minimal so the Nutrition Study Program has not been able to fully implement and feel the benefits. It is necessary to have a university policy that accommodates the MBKM program for health study programs.</strong></em><strong></strong></p><p><em><strong>Keywords - </strong></em><em>Benefit, MBKM, Nutrition Study Program, Recommendation, Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia</em></p>

IgG4-Related Dacryoadenitis in Egyptian Patients: A Retrospective Study.

PurposeTo report clinical, serological, and histopathological findings in Egyptian patients with dacryoadenitis associated with ImmunoglobulinG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).MethodsWe retrospectively revised medical records of patients presented to Al-Azhar University Hospitals with lacrimal gland (LG) swelling between June 2016 and February 2022. We included patients with definite IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) diagnosis and excluded those with possible, probable, or unlikely IgG4-RD based on The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s 2011 guidelines.ResultsSixteen cases were included in the study (Fourteen females and two males, mean age 39.2±12.2 years); Seven cases met the criteria of Mikulicz disease, and nine cases met full clinical, serological, and histopathological criteria. Mean reported serum IgG was 1792.5 ± 313.7 (range 1063–2134) mg/dl, mean serum IgG4 was 576.25±215.3 (range 112–841) mg/dl, and mean Serum IgG4/IgG ratio was 31.9 ± 12.4%. The mean number of IgG4+ plasma cells/HPF was 74 ± 21.2, and the mean IgG4+ plasma cell percentage was 55 ± 9.7%. Serum IgG4 level showed a positive correlation to tissue IgG4+plasma cell percentage, while serum IgG4/IgG ratio positively correlated to both percentage and number of IgG4+plasma cells. Steroids had a good initial response, but recurrences were common.ConclusionA considerable proportion of patients with lacrimal gland swelling fall within the range of IgG4-RD. Proper diagnosis requires clinical, serological, and histopathologic correlation. Patients require long follow-up periods.

Persepsi Mahasiswa Prodi Teknologi Pangan Mengenai Keterkaitan Program Program Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Dengan Kompetensi Lulusan

<p><strong>The MBKM program is a program to prepare graduates who are ready to work with areas of expertise and the needs of the world of work. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of students, especially students of the Food Technology Study Program, Al-Azhar University, Indonesia, on the relationship between the MBKM program and the competencies of graduates that must be possessed in the future, or post-lecture period. The data source is obtained from an online survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Directorate General of Higher Education by involving 25 students of the Food Technology Study Program. The perceptions of those students towards the realm of graduate competence after participating in the MBKM program are: (1) the MBKM program is considered very useful, (2) The improvement of soft skills for graduates shows that there is a fairly good improvement, (3) MBKM activities are quite important in preparation for the post-campus period, (4) MBKM activities are by the needs of graduates, (5) Interested and intend to choose internships or work practices as learning activities outside the study program of interest.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em> - </strong><em>Food Technology, Graduates, Learning outcomes, MBKM Program, Perception</em></p>

Persepsi Mahasiswa Prodi Bahasa Dan Kebudayaan Arab Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia Terhadap Urgensi Program Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka

<p><strong>The implementation of the Independent Campus Freedom to Learn program launched by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2020 caused various reactions from various parties in the higher education sector. Gradually many universities are trying to adapt and encourage students to be able to participate actively in the various types of programs offered. The same reaction was also found among students in the Arabic Language and Culture (BKA) study program at Al Azhar University Indonesia. Various perceptions emerged from students in responding to this MBKM program. This study tries to describe the student's perception, more specifically in terms of three aspects: knowledge of the program, perception of the urgency of the MBKM program, and student interest in participating. The research data was obtained through quantitative research instruments in the form of research questionnaires distributed to all 250 students of the BKA Study Program. After conducting a survey and descriptive statistical analysis it was found that; 1) BKA Study Program students' knowledge of the MBKM program is quite high, 75% of students have received information about the MBKM program with various levels of knowledge, and some are fully aware, know most, and know little, through various sources of information, 2) Student perceptions of the benefits and the urgency of the MBKM program is depicted very positively. Most believe that the program is beneficial for students in developing their competencies and soft skills as a provision to face post-graduate life from university, 3) Student interest and interest is quite high, more than 50% expressed interest in joining the MBKM program, and are even willing to recommend it to colleagues. Among the MBKM programs that are in great demand by students are internships or work practices and student exchanges.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong> – <em>MBKM Curriculum, Student Perceptions, MBKM Urgency, MBKM Curriculum</em></p>

Evaluation of subfoveal choroidal thikness in patients with posterior uveitis

Background: Posterior uveitis can have inflammation involving the retina and choroid along with inflammation adjacent structures such as vitreous, optic nerve head, retinal vessels. Aim and objectives: The main aim of this study was to detect the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness in posterior uveitis using OCT with enhanced depth of focus. Subjects and methods: This prospective study was carried on thirty patients presented with posterior uveitis attending to ophthalmology department of Al azhar university hospitals and Kobry El Qobba Military specialized eye hospital, Cairo, Egypt. The study duration ranged from 6-12 months. Results: as regard the main fundus changes distribution among the studied patients; the most prevalent finding was Chorioretinitis (46.5%) while choroiditis was found in 30.2% and retinitis was found in 23.3%. Also the SFCT was significantly higher in patients than control eyes. Conclusion: increase SCFT may be a clue for detection of sub clinical inflammatory activity of retina and choroid during quiescent phase.

Evaluation of the value of using simple elastic abdominal binder during colonoscopy

Background: Colonoscopy is a well-established endoscopic procedure widely used for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel, using some techniques that allow for more frequent cecal intubation, quicker time to cecum, or less pain. One obstacle that must be overcome during this procedure is looping of the colonoscope shaft. Objective: The aim of the work is to evaluate the use of simple elastic abdominal binder during colonoscopy and its outcome on the ease, safety, duration and success of the procedure.Successful colonoscopy means demonstration of the ileocecal valve (cecal intubation).Duration of colonoscopy means time in minutes since insertion of tip of colonoscope shaft through anus till reaching ileocecal valve. Patients and methods: This study was carried out on 120 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy ( during period from April 2018 toAugust 2019) who were enrolled from Hepatology,Gastroenterology& Tropical Medicine department in Al Azhar University Hospitals (El-Hussein and BAB El-Shaarea).

Evaluation of uterine cavity after myomectomy by ultrasonography and hysteroscopy

Background: Uterine fibroids are tumor of the smooth muscles and the connective tissue of the uterus. They are considered to be the most common benign tumor of the pelvis. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate uterine cavity after myomectomy by hysteroscopy and ultrasonography. Methods: A prospective (observational) analytical design will be used in this study. This study was including 50 patients was selected from the outpatient gynecological clinic, (Dar Al-Om Medical Center & Fares Medical Center & Al-Azhar University Hospital “Al-Hussien and Sayed Galal”). Results: We aimed to evaluate uterine cavity after myomectomy by hysteroscopy and ultrasonography. This study was including 50 patients was selected from the outpatient gynecological clinic, (Dar Al-Om Medical Center & Fares Medical Center & Al-Azhar University Hospital “Al-Hussien and Sayed Galal”). Conclusion: From our study we could conclude that hesteroscopy improves results 3-4D ultrasound imaging it’s not currently available in all units, its use has significant implications in terms of cost and training. Saline infusion on the other hand may be undertaken easily using various dedicated systems or modifications of readily available cheaper catheters such as Intra-uterine Insemination catheter or a paediatric feeding tube.

Comparative evaluation of treatment effects between two fixed functional appliances for correction of class II malocclusion

Objectives: to compare dental and skeletal effects produced by Forsus Fatigue Resistance Appliance and Advancesync II Appliance in patients with class II malocclusion. Patients and methods: The current study was conducted on 20 orthodontic patients with an age range from 14- to 16-year-old who were collected from the outpatient clinic at Orthodontic Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt. They were separated at random into two equal groups; each consisted of 10 patients, Group 1: Patients treated with molar to canine fixed functional appliance. Group 2: Patients treated with molar to molar fixed functional appliances. Results: results showed non statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: a statistically significant differences were found in dentoalveolar parameters with statistically non significance difference in skeletal parameters.

Comparative study between levosimendan and intra-aortic balloon pump in high risk patients undergoing beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery

Background: Preoperative left ventricular dysfunction is an independent risk factor for perioperative mortality and morbidity and is also associated with postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. IABP improved outcomes in high-risk cardiac patients. However, installation of the balloon has many disadvantages. Recently, a new drug named levosimendan is commonly used as an inotropic support with no increase oxygen demand of myocardium. Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare the efficiency of levosimendan versus intra-aortic balloon pump in patients with poor left ventricular function undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with ejection fraction less than 35%. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with elective multi-vessel off-pump CABG at Al-Azhar University, Air force Specialized and Al-Assema Hospitals were randomized into 2 groups, according to the treatment they received – either levosimendan (Levo group) or intra-aortic balloon counter pulsation (IABP group), and compared with respect to The use of inotropic drugs, Hemodynamics, ICU stay, hospital stay and in-hospital mortality. Results: There were no differences in preoperative characteristics including patients’ age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities. The Levosemindan group had shorter ICU and hospital stays as compared to IABP group with comparable hemodynamic functions, time of mechanical ventilation and mortality rate.

Impact of percutaneous coronary intervention on critical proximal lesion of left anterior descending artery on left ventricular function by echocardiography and tissue doppler

Introduction: lesions in the proximal segment of the LAD coronary artery present a high-risk lesion, as this important anatomical location of atherosclerotic plaques is associated with increased mortality. Patients with chronic ischemic LV dysfunction but viable myocardium will have better LV geometry after revascularization, which in turn will enhance long-term outcome. Objective: to assess the impact of PCI on critical proximal lesion of LAD artery on LV functions by echocardiography and tissue doppler study. Materials and methods: We included 50 patients older than 18 years old with critical proximal LAD lesion who were undergoing elective PCI in cardiology unit, faculty of medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut from April 2021 to November 2021. Results: For E/A ratio, we found that the reduction in this ratio was significantly higher among those with preserved EF compared to others. The increase in IVRT and DT over 1 month period was statistically higher among those with preserved EF when compared with others. For E/A ratio, we found that the reduction in this ratio was significantly higher among those with preserved EF compared to others. Also, we found that average E/′E ratio was significantly reduced among those with preserved EF when compared to others.

Role of duplex-guided infragenicular angioplasty in saving limbs

Background/aim Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is known as ischemic rest pain at rest or tissue loss with peripheral arterial disease. Endovascular intervention has many advantages than surgical bypasses and it is used frequently with fragile patients, at the same time, it has many adverse effects for both surgeon and patient such as radiation effect for both and renal-induced nephropathy for the patient. Worldwide duplex-guided infragenicular angioplasty is a new method that has been started to emerge and to be a common technique in such patients, That is why the present study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of duplex-guided infragenicular angioplasty to save limbs and to detect if it is applicable or not. Patients and methods Twenty CLI patients were admitted to the vascular unit from 2015 to 2017 in Al-Zahraa University Hospital, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. We included patients with good femoral pulse and significant infragenicular lesions. We excluded those with proximal outflow lesions and with acute embolic or thrombotic insults. Percutanous transluminal angioplasty was done to all the patients through ipsilateral femoral access by using 0.014 and 0.018 wires 4 F catheters and low-profile balloons, then we followed them clinically and with duplex ultrasound at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with calculating the hemodynamic studies. Results The present study enrolled 20 patients, six (30%) of them are females and 14 (70%) males, with mean age of 59.2. The clinical history of smokers, cardiac, diabetics, renal, and hypertensive were 65, 60, 50, 85, and 80%, respectively. Technical success was 90%. Groin hematoma, distal thrombosis, and vessel perforation were technical complications, with 5% for each. Optimal procedural success was achieved in 70%, of suboptimal in 20%, and then we failed in 10%. Rest paint completely disappeared from 75% of patients. Sixteen limbs were saved postintervention, Kaplan–Meier curve showed 70% survival rate at 6 months, while at 9 months, the drop occurred to be 28%, which was still to be the percent at 12 months. Conclusion Modern duplex ultrasound can be used to map the arterial disease and to show guide wires, sheaths, balloons, and stents for the treatment of infragenicular arterial lesions. Also, it seems to be safe, easy and effective technique, a bedside procedure, and cost-effective as well. It has a crucial role in saving limbs for CLI patients.

Risk factors profile of coronary artery disease among medical students at Al-Azhar University, Cairo

Risk factors profile of coronary artery disease among medical students at Al-Azhar University, Cairo

Comparison Study between Fetal Kidney Length and Transcerebellar Diameter to Determine Gestational age in the Third Trimester

Introduction and Aim: An accurate determination of gestational age (GA) is crucial to the management of all pregnancies, particularly high-risk pregnancies. This study aimed to comparing between the accuracy of ultrasonographic fetal kidney length and Transcerebellar diameter in GA determination in third trimester.
 Patients and methods: The study was a cross sectional one, carried out at the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Damietta Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt. The study had been performed between January 2021 and January 2022. All were submitted to a detailed history, routine antenatal investigations, general and obstetrical examination. Then, measurements of all fetal biometric parameters were recorded using a real- time, grayscale, 3.5–5.0 MHz curvilinear array transducer. Results were compared to the gestational age determined by last menstrual period.
 Results: The patient age ranged between 18 and 37 years, their weight ranged between 55 and 109 kg, while gravidity ranged between 1 and 5 and parity ranged between 0 and 4. The GA as determined by last menstrual period (LMP) was ranged between 28 and 40 weeks. The calculated GA by different measurements were also included and they were around the same measurements as determined by LMP. This was confirmed by the absent statistically significant difference between GA by LMP and any of calculated gestational age by any method. The mean fetal kidney length is more accurate in determination of gestational age than transcerebellar diameter (96.3% vs 89.8%) and both were significantly correlated with other calculated gestational ages.
 Conclusion: The length of the fetal kidney length proportionately correlated with fetal gestation age with powerful correlation coefficient. Fetal kidney length is found to be more accurate in GA determination than transcerebellar diameter (TCD).

Cancer Cervix and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) among Women Attending Gynecological Out Clinic Patients Al-Azhar University Hospitals: Newly Screening Technique

Cancer Cervix and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) among Women Attending Gynecological Out Clinic Patients Al-Azhar University Hospitals: Newly Screening Technique

Migraine Prevalence among Al-Azhar University Students in Zagazig

Migraine Prevalence among Al-Azhar University Students in Zagazig

Acute Kidney Injury in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Incidence and Risk Factors

Introduction and Aim: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a common medical problem, especially in neonatal intensive care unit. However, the reported incidences and associated risk factors are widely heterogenous and sometimes absent for developing countries. Thus, the current work designed to explore the incidence and potential risk factors of AKI for critically ill neonates.
 Patients and methods: The current work was an observational prospective study, completed between March 2019 and March 2022. It included 459 newborns admitted to the NICUs at Al-Azhar University Hospital (New Damietta) and Damietta General Hospital (Ministry of Health, Damietta, Egypt). For all neonates, careful history and clinical examination were done and data was documented. Then, repeated creatinine measurements and arterial blood gas analysis were performed. Discharge or death was the primary end point of the study. Other comorbid conditions were the secondary outcome.
 Results: The incidence of AKI was 92.2% and there was no significant difference between AKI and non-AKI regarding neonatal age, sex and mode of delivery. Patients with AKI had significantly lower gestational age, reduced birth weight, pH and HCO3. The serum creatinine showed significant increase during the first week of NICU admission in AKI than non-AKI groups, while basal values did not. Sepsis, nephrotoxic medications, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, umbilical catheter, duration of admission and mortality, all were significantly higher in AKI than non-AKI groups. Sepsis was reported among 44.8% and 27.7%, while mortality was reported for 20.9% and 4.9% of AKI and non-AKI groups, respectively. The duration of admission was 15.25±3.19 vs 9.50±2.21 days respectively.
 Conclusion: AKI was relatively higher (29.2% of admitted neonates) and associated with prematurity and lower birth weight. Neonatal sepsis and exposure to nephrotoxic drugs were among the commonest predisposing factors for AKI.

Oxidative Stress: Assessment of Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Value in Overweight Asthmatic Children

Nowadays bronchial asthma and increased body weight represent major problems in children. Asthmatic attacks in obese patients are not well controlled using the conventional treatment regimens. Asthma has been associated with increased systemic and exhaled levels of hydrogen peroxide and thiobarbituric acid-reactive products in expired breath condensate of asthmatic patients. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formed from peroxidation of lipids. The aim of the Study is to show the action of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances activity in asthma among overweight children suffering from asthma and to detect the connection between this biomarker and the etiology, degree of severity among children with bronchial hypereactivity. The study is cross-sectional study, was conducted on Egyptian children on regular follow up at the outpatients pediatric allergy clinic in Bab El-shariea university Hospital, Al-Azhar University. The study group included 96 child divided into 4 groups. Group A which included overweight children with (mild persistent asthma). Group B which included non-overweight children with (mild persistent asthma).Group C which included overweight non-asthmatics children and Group D The control group (non-overweight non-asthmatics). The results showed significant increase in the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances level in Overweight asthmatic patients in relation to non-overweight patients with asthma. We found that they can distinguish asthma controlled patients from non-asthma controlled patients. This study showed high level of oxidative stress with high asthma severity as measured by Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. These substances were good markers of relation between bronchial hyper activity and oxidative stress which became high with asthma severity.

Gambaran Kesiapan Mahasiswa Program Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka Pada Program Studi Pendidikan Agama Islam, Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia: Studi Kasus Pertukaran Mahasiswa Merdeka Dalam Negeri

<p><em><strong>This study aims to describe the readiness of students to take part in MBKM, especially the Student Exchange Program (PMMDN) at the Islamic Education, University of Al Azhar Indonesia. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach that is focused on the implementation of the PMMDN program. Data analysis obtained from the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Faculty of Psychology and Education, Al-Azhar University Indonesia survey regarding MBKM were analyzed using descriptive analysis presented narratively. MBKM aims to encourage students to master various sciences and improve skills before entering the working world. In the light of the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the PMMDN program may develop leadership skills and soft skills of students who are able to interact with various backgrounds to increase unity and nationalism; providing learning experiences at other universities through a credit transfer system to strengthen and expand competencies; providing the experience of diversity through the implementation of the Nusantara module. The recommendation of this research is that the university can further increase the number of students who take part in the MBKM</strong></em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords - </em></strong><em>The Student Exchange</em><em>, MBKM, </em><em>Independent Campus, PMMDN</em></p>