Shebin El Research Articles

Chemical and Phytoplankton profile of two water plants model before and after treatment in Menoufia governorate, Egypt

Safe drinking water is ahealth necessity. This study was for comparing between certain physico-chemical and microbial parameters of two water treatment plants (Shebin El-kom conventional plant and Shobrabass compact plant) during a period from February 2019 to December 2019. The treated water at these plants had a remarkable enhancement as compared with raw one basically with the values of TDS, conductivity, total alkalinity, phosphates and nitrates but treated water of Shobrabass has high turbidity ranged from 1.6 NTU to 3 NTU compared with Shebin El- kom that ranged from 0.18 NTU to 0.33 NTU. Regarding to biotic component, it was proved that both total and fecal coliform beside algae disappeared more or less completely at the end of the treatment process. The results showed diverse phytoplankton structures of three groups namely: Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta and Cyanophycta. Bacillariophyta represented the most widespread group in Shebin El- kom and Shobrabass raw water during the period of study as it accounted 72.6 % and72.7%, respectively of total annual crop, followed by chlorophyta with 17.4% and 15.5%, respectively and Cyanophyta ranked as 3rd group with 11.6% and 11.5% of total annual crop for Shebin El-kom raw water and Shobrabass raw water, respectively. The conventional Shebin El-kom plant was more effective than Shobrabas compact plant to obtain better potable water and so a modification was performed on Shobrabas. The final results of turbidity decreased from 2.3 NTU to 1.4 NTU and the total algal count decreased from (1000× 10³ organisms/ L) to (26× 10³ organisms/ L).

Does amyloid β precursor protein gene expression have a role in diagnosis of biliary atresia?

Biliary atresia (BA) is an important cause of surgical jaundice. Although the precise etiology is unknown, β-amyloid (Aβ) has been observed around the bile ducts in BA livers. It is unclear whether Aβ plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study aims to assess the amyloid β precursor protein (APP) gene expression in infants with BA in comparison with other causes of neonatal cholestasis. This could help explore the role of Aβ in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of BA. A prospective study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of Paediatric Hepatology, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt during the period March 2022 to December 2022. Clinical data were gathered and laboratory and radiological investigations were conducted including β precursor protein gene expression measured in liver biopsies of the three groups using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Gene expression of APP was considerably higher in the BA group (p = 0.0001) compared to neonatal cholestasis (NC) patients. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and APP had a positive correlation (p = 0.001). No significant association was found between APP and fibrosis. APP was noticeably higher in BA than NC other than BA. Also, APP in BA was higher (statistically significant, p = 0.0001) than the control. There was no statistically significant difference among NC, BA, and control groups regarding APP (p = 0.07). Both males and females did not show significant differences as regards APP (p = 0.851). Age did not have a statistically significant correlation with APP (p = 0.532). Also, there were no correlations between APP and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), or total bilirubin (TB) (p > 0.05). We concluded that the development and identification of BA may depend on the liver expression of serum APP. Surgeons may be able to carry out early intraoperative cholangiography for BA confirmation if the combination of APP with GGT and other hepatic function parameters exhibits a high predictive potential as a diagnostic test for BA. To evaluate this hypothesis, more research with sizable sample numbers is necessary.

Predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients in Shebin El Kom Chest Hospital

Background: Determining and classifying predictors of mortality of COVID 19 is of great importance for the most efficient use of healthcare resources and public health guidance and will yield improvement in clinical management and outcomes. Aim of the work: To assess Predictors of mortality among COVID 19 patients. Patients and method: 299 patients of confirmed COVID 19 by PCR rolled in our study each patient underwent detailed history, laboratory investigation, CT chest and treated according to severity regarding to Egyptian Ministry of Health Protocol (MOHP). Result: Univariate analysis revealed that old age (OR 1.061 and P value <0.001) ,ICU admission, (OR 10.052 P value <0.001) HTN (OR 2.412 P value 0.002) ,cardiac diseases (OR 2.687 P value 0.014) tachypnea(OR 1.126 P value 0.002),fever (OR 2.118 P value 0.023) hypoxiemia (OR 0.896 P value <0.001), increased inflammatory markers WBCS( OR 1.080 P value <0.001), CRP(OR 1.015 P value 0.002) ,D-dimer (OR 1.540 P value 0.001) S. Ferritin (OR 1.002 P value 0.002), ESR (OR 1.019 P value <0.001)and corad5 (OR 2.308 P value .250) were predictors for motility while in multivariate analysis elderly patients, tachypnea , hypoxiemia and increased ESR are independent factors of mortality.

Placenta accreta index as a predictor of placental invasion in cases of placenta previa

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the role of the placenta accreta index in predicting placental invasion in patients with placenta previa.Patients and methodsThis study was carried on 60 pregnant women with placenta previa (after 30 weeks gestation). They were recruited from the Obstetrics and Gynecology clinic of Menoufia University hospitals and Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital in the period from January 2019 to December 2020.ResultsPreterm labor was found in 15 (78.95%) patients in the accreta group and six (14.36%) patients in the nonaccreta group (P = 0.000). Hysterectomy was performed in 14 (73.68%) patients in the accreta group and four (9.76%) patients in the nonaccreta group (P = 0.000). Urological complications occurred in five (26.32%) patients in the accreta group and one (2.44%) patient in the nonaccreta group (P = 0.004). Blood transfusion was needed in 16 (84.21%) patients in the accreta group and seven (17.07%) patients in the nonaccreta group (P = 0.000). ICU transfer was needed in 10 (52.63%) patients in the accreta group and two (4.88%) patients in the nonaccreta group (P = 0.000).ConclusionsBoth grayscale and color Doppler ultrasound were very important in the prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, but color Doppler had higher sensitivity and specificity. Placenta accreta index score 4 can be used as a predictive cutoff value for prediction of placental invasion in patients with placenta previa. Placenta previa in current pregnancy, previous uterine scar, increased maternal age, number of dilation and curettage and number of pregnancies and labors, and the presence of previous history of placenta previa are all risk factors for placenta accreta, and placenta accreta is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. It is associated with increased blood loss, risk of blood transfusion, ICU admissions, wound sepsis, urological complications, and poor neonatal outcome.

Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with β-thalassemia major

Background β-thalassemia major, a disease of defective globin β-chain synthesis, is characterized by anemia caused by a combination of hemolysis, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron overload. Children with β-thalassemia major are liable to impairments in the retinal microvasculature. The progressive retinal and retinal pigment epithelium pathologies caused by deferoxamine may lead to visual loss.Purpose The aim of this study was to measure the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in children with β-thalassemia major and to compare it with a healthy control group.Patients and methods This is a cross-sectional study that included 15 patients with β-thalassemia major and 15 healthy children as a control group, who were recruited from the Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital, Shebin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt, from March 2020 to December 2020. All children were subjected to a standard ophthalmological examination. The RNFL thickness measurements were performed by Spectralis Heidelberg optical coherence tomography.Results The mean hemoglobin level was statistically significantly less in the β-thalassemia major group (6.79±0.69 g/dl) compared with the control group (13.67±0.57 g/dl) (P<0.001). The serum ferritin level was significantly increased among the β-thalassemia major group (4280.0±1250.83 ng/ml) compared with the control group (60.70±92.46 ng/ml) (P<0.001). The mean blood transfusion history among patients with β-thalassemia was 1.07±3.37/month. The nasal superior, nasal inferior, and nasal sectors were significantly thinner in patients with β-thalassemia major than in the control group (P<0.05). In patients with β-thalassemia major, the average RNFL thickness and each individual quadrant RNFL thickness (temporal, temporal inferior, and nasal inferior) were not statistically significantly correlated with serum ferritin and serum hemoglobin (P>0.05). On the contrary, the nasal superior sector was significantly correlated with serum hemoglobin, whereas the temporal superior and nasal sectors were significantly correlated with serum ferritin (P<0.05).Conclusions The RNFL was thinner in patients with β-thalassemia major compared with the control group. The RNFL thickness was positively correlated with the decreasing hemoglobin level.

Assessment of retinal ganglion-cell complex using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients without retinopathy

BackgroundDiabetic retinopathy (DR) consists of microvascular changes, although recent investigations have demonstrated that neurodegeneration may occur earlier.ObjectivesTo assess ganglion-cell complex thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in diabetic patients without retinopathy.Patients and methodsThis was a cross-sectional case–control study conducted at Shebin El kom Ophthalmology Hospital and Tiba Ophthalmological Center on 200 patients divided into two groups: group A involves 100 diabetic patients without DR. Group B involves 100 healthy controls. All participants underwent full ophthalmological and medical history, ophthalmological examination with measurement of the macular ganglion-cell layer–inner-plexiform layer (GCL–IPL) thickness, and retinal nerve-fiber-layer (RNFL) thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.ResultsMacular GCL–IPL and RNFL thickness were thinner in diabetic patients without retinopathy when compared with healthy controls. The average GCL–IPL was 4.17 μm thinner (95% confidence interval: 1.96–6.38) (P < 0.001) and the average RNFL was 18.65 μm thinner (95% confidence interval: 16.82–20.47) (P < 0.001) in diabetic patients than controls.ConclusionThere was statistically significant thinning in the GCL–IPL and RNFL thickness in the diabetic patient without retinopathy compared with the control group, indicating that diabetes mellitus causes neurodegenerative changes before vascular changes of DR appear.

ASSESSMENT OF PERINATAL OUTCOME AFTER USING NIFEDIPINE VERSUS PLACEBO IN THE TREATMENT OF PRETERM PRELABOR RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES (Randomized controlled study)

Background: Preterm birth is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide and accounts for approximately 75% of all neonatal deaths and 50% of childhood neurological morbidities. Around one-third of preterm deliveries start with preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Objective: To assess the value of Nifedipine to change the perinatal outcome in cases of preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes. Patients and methods: This was a randomized, controlled study that included and followed 200 pregnant women. One hundred pregnant women were recruited in the Nifedipine group in addition to 100 pregnant women were recruited as a control group from Obstetric Department of Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital during the period form to 2017-2019. Results: In this randomized clinical trial among women with PPROM without contractions, we found no significant differences between treatment with nifedipine or placebo in terms of perinatal outcomes and prolongation of pregnancy. Conclusion: On perinatal outcomes or prolongation of pregnancy in women with PPROM without contractions.

Varietal Susceptibility of some Tomato and Pepper Cultivars Against Root – Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne javanica حساسية بعض أصناف الطماطم و الفلفل لنيماتودا تعقد Meloidogyne javanica

Four cultivars of tomato viz. Super strain B, Vacolta 38, Ko186 and Login and pepper viz.California wonder, Boulnder A, Marconi and Maor were screened to root –knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica at inoculum level (1000 J2) in pots experiment under field condition at the Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Shebin El- Kom. Obtained results showed highly significant differences among tomato and pepper cultivars under study. Sensitive tomato cultivar Super strain B was significantly higher than those of other cultivars over all mean of M. javanica J2 population density, egg masses and number of root galls (2391: 30.7 and 37.5) respectively. Contrariwise occurred with the resistant cultivar Vacolta38 (1576; 13.4 and 6.7) which attained the least population density of M. javanica J2, egg masses and number of root galls, respectively. Conspicuous effectiveness is very emphasizes for Vacolta38 in improvement plant parameters such as plant high; shoot weight and root weight showed results (56.8; 69.7 and 17.6), respectively. Pepper susceptible cv. Moar seemed to be the most favorable and more sensitive to M. javanica J2 infection, egg masses and number of root galls (2436; 71.4 and 80.2), respectively, while resistant cultivar Boulnder A against M. javanica population; egg masses and number of root galls supported the least (1698; 11.7 and 8.0), respectively. The plant parameters also improved over the rest varieties. It could be recommendable hence forward to introduce dual tomato and pepper resistant cultivars Vacolta38 and Boulnder A against M. javanica infection in breeding and integrated nematode management programs.

Peer Education Intervention to Promote Drug Abuse Prevention among Secondary Schools Students

Drug abuse is a worldwide serious health problem. Peer education is an effective method in preventing risky behaviors and educating teens about drug abuse. Aim of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of peer education intervention to promote drug abuse prevention among secondary schools students. Methods: a quasi-experimental research design was used. A multi-stage random sample selection of six secondary schools affiliated to the Ministry of Education and Technical Education was utilized. A convenience sample of 1200 students was selected from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades of the selected schools at Shebin El kom, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Instruments: (1) Sociodemographic data questionnaire; (2) Basic knowledge of students about drug abuse questionnaire; (3) Attitudes of the students toward drug abuse prevention assessment questionnaire and; (4) Self-efficacy of students about drug abuse prevention questionnaire. Results: the mean age of the studied students in both study and control groups were (16.14 ± 1.08 &amp;15.96 ± 1.01) respectively. There were statistically significant differences between study and control group in the total mean score of knowledge about drug abuse post intervention (12.39 ±1.72 &amp; 6.88 ± 1.35; P value .000) compared to pre-intervention (6.95 ± 2.14 &amp; 6.72 ± 2.19; P 0 .535). There was a statistically significant difference between study and control group regarding students' attitudes toward drug abuse post intervention (160.98 ± 11.72 &amp; 75.55 ± 13.35; P 0.000) compared to pre-intervention (77.53 ± 12.14 &amp; 75.89 ± 11.19; P 0.735). Finally, there was a statistically significant difference between study and control group regarding students' self efficacy about drug abuse prevention post intervention (11.84 ± 1.92 &amp; 8.18 ± 1.55; P 0.000) compared to pre-intervention (8.89 ± 3.14 &amp; 7.99 ± 1.92; P 0.598). Conclusions: the findings of the current study suggest that peer education intervention has a positive effect and significantly enhances knowledge, self-efficacy and attitudes of secondary school students toward drug abuse. Recommendation: Peer education intervention as a school-based prevention programs is an appropriate model to be implemented for drug abuse prevention among school students.

Impact of Educational Intervention on Nurses’ Knowledge, Practice and Attitude Related Prevention Measures of COVID 19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused highly significant challenges for health systems over the world, but also fueled a surge in misinformation. Nurses as the first member at health team must improve their performance about COVID-19 Research Aim: to assess impact of educational program on nurses’ knowledge, practice and attitude related prevention measures of COVID 19 Methodology: A Quasi-experimental research design was utilized from July 2020- November 2020 conducted at Shebin El Koum teaching Hospital and Menofia University Hospital for 50 nurses. A self-administered questionnaire containing four parts (characteristics, knowledge part, Attitude Rating Scale and nurses’ practice) Results: The present study showed mean age of studied nurses was 34.80±4.99 years and 52% of them providing care for COVID-19 patients. 70% of them had poor knowledge at pre intervention, while76% of them had good knowledge at post intervention and only 6% had poor knowledge. Mean score of studied nurses related total attitude at pre intervention was 13.70±3.45, while at post intervention was 25.18±3.66. Total practice, showed that 36% of nurses had competent practice while 90% of them had competent practice at post intervention with p value &lt;0.01 Conclusions: To conclude, the present study reported that educational training program had positive effect on nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practice so hypothesis was accepted.

Awareness of Nursing Staff and Patients Regarding Hospitals Accreditation

Hospital accreditation is considered as an intervention performed to support patient safety and ensure high quality healthcare. Purpose: To assess the level of awareness of nursing staff and patients regarding hospital accreditation and determine the differences between the nursing staff awareness and patientsꞌ awareness regarding hospital accreditation. Design: Descriptive comparative design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at ICU, surgical and medical departments at Menoufia University Hospitals, Shebin E Kom Teaching Hospital, National liver Institute and El Helal hospital. Sampling: A simple random sample of 448 staff nurses, 52 head nurses and 221 patients were included to participate in the study .Instruments: Nursing staff awareness and patientsꞌ awareness questionnaire. Results: the nursing staff had a moderate level of perception regarding hospital accreditation in El Helal Governmental hospital (81%) and in National Liver Hospital (NLI)(60.4%), On the other hand, nursing staff in Shebin El-kom Teaching Hospital (STH) and Menoufia University Hospitals(MUH) had a low level of perception . The nursing staff in all hospitals had not satisfied knowledge level and low level of awareness about hospital accreditation. Also, Patients in El Helal hospital had higher level of awareness and perception concerning than patients in Menoufia University hospital, Shebin El- Kom Teaching hospital and National Liver Institute. El Helal patients had satisfied level of knowledge of hospital accreditation, while patients in National Liver Hospital (NLI), Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital (STH) and Menoufia University Hospitals (MUH) had not satisfied level of knowledge in hospital accreditation. Conclusion: In the light of the present study results, the studied sample of the nursing staff had moderate level of perception of hospital accreditation in El Helal Governmental hospital and in National Liver Hospital (NLI).On the other hand, nursing staff in Shebin El-kom Teaching Hospital (STH) and Menoufia University Hospitals (MUH) had low level of perception and awareness of hospital accreditation. The patients in El Helal Governmental hospital had a moderate level of awareness, while patients in National Liver Hospital, Shebin El-Kom Teaching Hospital and Menoufia University Hospitals had a low level of awareness regarding hospital accreditation. Recommendations: Healthcare organizations should develop awareness regarding hospital accreditation among nurses by integrating this concept into its core values and strategic management.

Organizational Citizenship Behaviors and Relationship to Internal Marketing of Nursing Profession

Due to their important roles in organizational performance, internal marketing and organizational citizenship behavior have become more interesting subjects among researchers and practitioners. The purpose of this study: Was to assess the relationship between organizational citizenship behavior and internal marketing of nursing profession. Research design: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at Menoufia University Hospitals at Shebin El- Kom. Sample: systematic random sample of 400 staff nursing was included in the study. Instruments: Two instruments were used to collect data. First instrument: Internal marketing questionnaire .Second instrument: Organizational Citizenship behavior Scale. Results: Nearly two thirds (63.3%) of the staff nurses had high level of total organizational citizenship behaviors, 57.2% of staff nurses reported high level of internal marketing. There was a significant positive correlation between organizational citizenship behaviors and internal marketing of nursing profession. Recommendation: Menoufia University hospitals should provide more care to internal marketing activities, and direct more organizations’ resources and capabilities towards benefiting their employee as much as possible and encourage tools that increase the citizenship behavior.

Evaluation of Conjunctival Autografting Augmented with Mitomycin C Application versus Ologen Implantation in the Surgical Treatment of Recurrent Pterygium.

Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of augmenting conjunctival autografting with intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) application versus Ologen implantation in the management of recurrent pterygium. Materials and Methods This prospective randomised study included 63 eyes of 63 patients, with recurrent nasal pterygium, who presented to the outpatient clinic of Menoufia University Hospital in Shebin El Kom and Manshiet Soltan from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients were randomly enrolled into two groups. Group A included 32 eyes of 32 patients who underwent conjunctival autografting augmented with the topical application of MMC (0.2 mg/mL), and group B included 31 eyes of 31 patients who underwent conjunctival autografting augmented with Ologen implantation. All the patients underwent follow-up examinations for a period of 24 months. During each visit, a complete ophthalmic examination was performed. Pterygium regrowth of 1 mm or more, over the cornea, was considered a recurrence. Results In the MMC group, no recurrence was reported during the 24-month follow-up period. In the Ologen implantation group, recurrence was reported in 2 (8%) eyes. The time interval from surgery to recurrence was 5 months in one case and 8 months in the other. No other serious postoperative complications were reported, and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in this regard. Conclusion Ologen implantation with conjunctival autografting shows promising results in the surgical management of recurrent pterygium with mild non-vision-threatening postoperative complications comparable to that of MMC application with conjunctival autografting. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.govNCT04419038.

Sexual behavior after childbirth

ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction after childbirth.BackgroundWomen's sexual activity changes at various stages of life and is affected by numerous factors; one of them includes childbirth and maternity. After childbirth, numerous physical, psychological, and sociocultural factors may affect the sexual activity of women and the quality of their lives.Patients and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 200 Egyptian postpartum women in the period from August 2018 till April 2019. The study was performed on postpartum women who attended the gynecology clinic, Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital.ResultsThe finding of the study indicated that all domains of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were affected after labor, and the most affected was the sexual desire. The mean score before labor was 4.94 ± 0.84 and after labor was 3.40 ± 1.30, and the least prevalent was the dyspareunia; the mean score before labor was 4.16 ± 0.97 and after labor it was 4.89 ± 1.54.ConclusionPhysical and emotional health problems are common after childbirth. In this article, we found that there were significantly lowered mean score values of all domains of FSFI, except pain (increased) and overall scale score decreased after labor. Decreased sexual desire is the most prevalent disorder of the sexual relationship in postpartum and the least prevalent was the dyspareunia.

Nurse manager’s meaningful recognition program: Its relation to staff nurses’ sense of coherence and self-efficacy during COVID-19 pandemic

Meaningful recognition from nurse managers is considered a powerful tool for improving staff nurses’ psychological capital to deal effectively with stressful challenges they are exposed to during the COVID-19 pandemic through raising their sense of coherence (SOC) and improving their self-efficacy. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of nurse managers’ meaningful recognition program on staff nurses’ sense of coherence and self-efficacy. Design: A quasi-experimental, one-group (pretest-posttest) research design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 35 nurse managers and 50 staff nurses. Data collection tools: Three tools were used; Recognition Behavior Questionnaire, General Self-efficacy Likert Scale, and Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), in addition to demographic characteristics. Results: There was a highly statistically significant improvement of the total recognition behavior of nurse managers and its subscales as reported by staff nurses after implementation of the program and on follow up than before (P

The Impact of Stria Gravidarum On Quality-of-Life Issues

Background: Striae gravidarum is a commonly occurred physiological change among women with pregnancy. Although these changes are accepted as physiological, the lack of therapeutica and preventive techniques led to impaired quality of life of women. Objective: To assess the quality-of-life affection as regards emotions, symptoms and functioning by presence of stria gravidarum in pregnant females. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried on three hundred twenty-three pregnant female patients with stria gravidarum over the age of eighteen years. They were enrolled in the study from the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom University Hospital and Local Health Care Centers. This study was conducted between April 2020 and October 2020. Results: Severe striae gravidarum, score (3-8) was observed in 20.6% of primiparae cases and 54.9 % of multiparae cases. Mild stria gravidarum, score (1-2) was observed in 79.4 % of primiparae cases and 45.1 % of multiparae cases. There was significant difference in Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) mean value between different davey’s score scale as (p < 0.001), mild cases with SG had mean value 15.24 ± 1.42 and severe cases. There is significant difference regarding DLQI of pregnant women who did or did not take preventive steps (p < 0.001). There is significant difference regarding association between Parity and DLQI (p=0.01). Conclusion: Women suffer from striae should be examined in detail to prevent the development or progression of striae, particularly in women encountered for the first time or primiparae with severe striae those might be intensely affected.

Environmental Risk Factors Associated with Children Autism Spectrum Disorders in, Menoufia Governorate

Background: Although no official statistics are available, some medical studies suggest that there are over 800,000 children with autism in Egypt. While, there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder, intensive, early treatment can make a big difference in the lives of many children. Objective: To explore environmental risk factors for autism spectrum disorders by using participants identified through broad ascertainment and reliable classification in Shebin El Kom city. Subjects and Methods: Our study was conducted at Psychiatric and Neurology Clinic, Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital and centers for children with special needs in Shebin El Kom City. A case control study enrolled 80 children, 40 of them diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorders by DSM-V-TR criteria with no another medical disease and another 40 apparently healthy children, from their brothers as a control group. All children attended to Psychiatric and Neurology Clinic, Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital in Shebin El Kom City, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt during the period from April 2017 to January 2019. Results: There were significant differences between cases and control groups regarding gender, history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, folic–iron, fever, bleeding, induced labor and precipitous labor, dental fillings, silver/mercury fillings in pregnancy and taking antibiotics during pregnancy or breast fed, born healthy > 4.5 kg, neonatal unit, breast fed, Jaundice, delayed sitting, delayed crawling, delayed walking and delayed speaking. Conclusions: From the current study, it was concluded that boys, high and moderate socioeconomic states and positive family history represented conditions associated with an increased risk for autism and ASDs in Egyptian population.

The Impact of Stria Gravidarum On Quality-of-Life Issues

Background: Striae gravidarum is a commonly occurred physiological change among women with pregnancy. Although these changes are accepted as physiological, the lack of therapeutica and preventive techniques led to impaired quality of life of women. Objective: To assess the quality-of-life affection as regards emotions, symptoms and functioning by presence of stria gravidarum in pregnant females. Patients and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried on three hundred twenty-three pregnant female patients with stria gravidarum over the age of eighteen years. They were enrolled in the study from the Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom University Hospital and Local Health Care Centers. This study was conducted between April 2020 and October 2020. Results: Severe striae gravidarum, score (3-8) was observed in 20.6% of primiparae cases and 54.9 % of multiparae cases. Mild stria gravidarum, score (1-2) was observed in 79.4 % of primiparae cases and 45.1 % of multiparae cases. There was significant difference in Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) mean value between different davey’s score scale as (p < 0.001), mild cases with SG had mean value 15.24 ± 1.42 and severe cases. There is significant difference regarding DLQI of pregnant women who did or did not take preventive steps (p < 0.001). There is significant difference regarding association between Parity and DLQI (p=0.01). Conclusion: Women suffer from striae should be examined in detail to prevent the development or progression of striae, particularly in women encountered for the first time or primiparae with severe striae those might be intensely affected.

Effect of Application Bundle Skin Care on Nurses’ Performance and Orthopedic Patients’ Skin Outcome: Quasi-Experimental Study

Treating severe pressure ulcers may consume considerable manpower, time, and medical resources. Pressure ulcers can be avoided and effectively treated when nurses conduct proper skin assessment and care for wounds appropriately. Research hypothesis: There was positive impact of bundle skincare training on nurses' performance and orthopedic patients' skin outcome. quasi-experimental design was utilized at orthopedic units at Shebin El Koum teaching Hospital and Menofia University Hospital. Tools used for data collection were Pre-designed Questionnaire contained on nurses' characteristics, Attitude Rating Scale and Nurses' knowledge, also used Observational Checklist and BRADEN scale. The subject composed of 45 nurses and 90 orthopedic patients. Mean score of total knowledge pre-intervention was 6.83±3.1, while at the post was 9.95±2.1. Also, a mean score of total practice pre-intervention was 7.11±2.6, while at the post was 11.83±3.4, and, a mean score of total attitude pre-intervention was 5.02±2.8, while at the post was 7.82±1.9. Mean score of BRADEN scale at pre-intervention was 12.81±3.04, while at the post was 13.45±1.99. Application bundle skin care had a positive effect on nurses' knowledge, practice and attitude related skincare for orthopedic patients. So, there was an improvement at BRADEN score of patients post-application bundle skincare. Age, gender and previous hospitalization, BMI, and length had positive predictor effect on pressure sore risk. Skincare bundle for orthopedic patients is acceptable and has the potential to improve nursing care.

Effect of Irrigation Intervals on Growth, Productivity and Quality of Some Yellow Maize Genotypes

TWO FIELD experiments were done at Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Menoufia University, Shebin El- Kom, Egypt, during 2018 and 2019 seasons to study the effect of 3 irrigation intervals, i.e., irrigation every 12 (I1), 17 (I2) and 22 days (I3) on growth, productivity and quality of 6 yellow maize genotypes (G), i.e., S.C 178, S.C 176, S.C 168, T.W.C 368, T.W.C 360 and T.W.C 352. The results could be summarized as follows:1- Increasing irrigation intervals from 12 up to 17 and 22 days significantly decreased number and area of leaves and leaves, stem and total dry weight/plant, total chlorophyll, relative water content (RWC), plant height, length and diameter of ear, number and weight of grains/ear, 100 grain weight as well as grain, stover and biological yields/fed, protein and oil % and yields/fed, but significantly increased proline content in leaves in both seasons.2- S.C 168 G surpassed the other genotypes in area and dry weight of leaves/plant, grain yield/fed, crop and harvest indices as well as protein yield/fed. T.W.C 368 G was superior in stem and total dry weight/plant, plant height, ear diameter, no.of grains/ear,100-grain weight as well as stover and biological yields/fed. However, S.C 168 G and T.W.C 368 G recorded the best values of RWC, no.of ears/plant, grain weight/ear, protein% and oil yield/fed as compared with the other genotypes. The highest significant values of proline content and no.of leaves/plant were obtained by T.W.C 352 G and T.W.C 360 G, respectively in both seasons.3- Maize genotypes S.C 168 as well as T.W.C 360 and T.W.C 352 under I2 and T.W.C 368 under either I2 or I3 had the lowest values of relative yield reduction and drought suS.Ceptibility index (< 1), indicating that those genotypes are relatively drought tolerant genotypes compared to other tested genotypes in our experiment condition.