Adenovirus type D and type E infection in broiler chickens: the effect on CD4 and CD8 T cell response, cytokines expression and their immunopathology

1. A total of 150-day-old chicks were divided into three groups of 50 birds (G1-G3); G1 and G2 were orally inoculated at 1-day old with 0.5 ml of 107 TCID50/ml FAdV-D serotype 2 (MT386509.1) and FAdV-E serotype 8a (MW847902), respectively, and G3 was blank control group.2. Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated by detection of CD4, CD8 T lymphocytes and the mRNA expression of IL6 and IL8 in the chicken spleen using q-PCR. Additionally, immunopathology was performed at 3, 5 and 7 day post infection (dpi) and weekly until the end of the experiment.3. Results revealed that transcription of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8) was up regulated in the spleen of FAdV type D and type E infected chickens at various time points relative to the control group. A marked decrease in the number of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes at 5 and 7 dpi in G1 of chickens infected with FAdV type D. Whereas, in chickens infected with FAdV type E, the CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes were markedly decreased at 7 dpi.4. In contrast, there were no significant differences in humoral immune responses against NDV vaccine in (G1 and G2) at different intervals post-vaccination compared to the control group. The histopathology of the bursa, thymus, and spleen in the infected groups showed lymphocytolysis with severe reticular cells hyperplasia and lymphoid depletion.5. In conclusion, fowl adenovirus types D and E have an immunosuppressive effect in broilers which may be considered one of the main causes of the continuous co-infections with other viruses reported in the field during the last 10 years.

Long term conjugated linoleic acid supplementation modestly improved growth performance but induced testicular tissue apoptosis and reduced sperm quality in male rabbit

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is known for its multiple benefits including improvement of growth, increasing lean mass, and anti-carcinogenic effects. However, when used in long-term supplementations CLA does not improve semen parameters in boar and bull and reduces fertility in Japanese quails. The content of unsaturated fatty acids in dietary lipids plays a significant role in spermatogenesis owning the high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in plasma membrane of sperms. Whether CLA plays a role in testicular tissue and epididymal fat is still unknown. Therefore, in this study we hypothesize that long-term supplementation of equal proportion of CLA isomer mix (c9,t11-CLA and t10,c12- CLA) in rabbit bucks might alter male reproductive potentials. Twelve V-Line weaned male rabbits were used in 26 weeks trial, rabbits were individually raised and randomly allocated into three dietary groups. Control group (CON) received a basal diet, a group received 0.5% CLA (CLA 0.5%), and a group received 1% CLA (CLA 1%). Rabbits were euthanized at the end of the trial and several parameters were evaluated related to growth, semen quality, and testicular and epididymal tissue histopathology and transcriptome. The long-term supplementation of CLA increased feed intake by 5% and body weight by 2-3%. CLA 1% decreased sperm progressive motility. In testicular tissue L-carnitine and α-tocopherol were decreased by CLA supplementation. In epididymal fat, CLA tended to decrease concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the expression of SCD5 gene was upregulated by CLA 1% and CASP3 gene was upregulated by CLA 0.5%. Transcription of PPARG was downregulated by CLA. Feeding 1% CLA also decreased testicular epithelial thickness. Long-term supplementation of CLA modestly enhanced male rabbit growth, but negatively impacted male reproduction, especially at high dose of CLA.

Quality improvement programme for diabetes care in family practice settings in Dubai

A continuous quality improvement programme for the care of registered diabetes patients was introduced in 16 government-affiliated primary health care centres in Dubai. Quality improvement teams were formed, clinical guidelines and information systems were developed, diabetes nurse practitioners were introduced and a team approach was mobilized. Audits before and after the introduction of the scheme showed significant improvements in rates of recording key clinical indicators and in their outcomes. For example, the proportion of patients with glycosylated haemoglobin levels < 7% increased from 20.6% to 31.7% and with LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL increased from 20.8% to 33.6%. Mean systolic blood pressure of registered patients fell from 135.3 mmHg to 133.2 mmHg.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women [27.7% versus 12.7%]. The combined effect of impaired perceived health status [52.4%] and functional capacity [26.6%], loneliness [4.5%], single status [24.3%], and lack of education [80.5%] explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended.

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over [n = 810] in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference [WC] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR]. The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes.

Central obesity in elderly individuals in south-western Saudi Arabia: prevalence and associated morbidity

Central obesity in all individuals aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of three primary health care centres in Abha was determined from the waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The age-adjusted prevalence of central obesity was 32.4% and 43.5% based on the WC and WHR indicators respectively. WC was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes and hypertension, while WHR was significantly associated with the risk of diabetes only. These findings suggest that reducing the prevalence of central obesity in old age would decrease the risk of diabetes and hypertension. WC is a powerful independent predictor mainly of hypertension risk, while WHC is a good predictor of the risk of diabetes.

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects in Abha City, Saudi Arabia

Psychosocial assessment of geriatric subjects was carried out through a home-based survey of people aged 65 years and over (n = 810) in the catchment areas of 3 primary health care centres. All the participants had a structured interview and were given a short version of the geriatric depression scale. Depression was found in 17.5% of the subjects, more commonly in women (27.7% versus 12.7%). The combined effect of impaired perceived health status (52.4%) and functional capacity (26.6%), loneliness (4.5%), single status (24.3%), and lack of education (80.5%) explained 23.7% of the variance in depression score by multiple regression analysis. Depression is a problem among the geriatric population in the region, especially women. Periodic home psychosocial screening of geriatrics is recommended.

Dental caries: experience in relation to wasting and stunted growth among schoolboys in Abha, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the dental health status of Saudi schoolboys in an urban city in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, and to investigate the association of dental caries with wasting and stunted growth.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A two-stage stratified random sample of 959 schoolboys representative of the 6 to 13 year-old school population in Abha were subjected to dental examination. Using the WHO criteria, decayed, missing and filled teeth were determined, and the prevalence of caries for each age group was determined by means of decayed and filled primary teeth (dft), and decayed, missing and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) epidemiological indices. The children were also subjected to weight and height measurements and their values were compared with the local growth standards.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of caries-free children was 14.6%. The mean dft values at ages 6, 9 and 12 years were 6.53, 3.97 and 1.07, respectively (P<0.001), while the mean DMFT values were 0.16, 0.83 and 1.23 for such ages (P<0.001). After adjusting for age and social class, the wasted children were found to have a higher caries prevalence in the primary dentition than the well-nourished children (P<0.01), while children with stunted growth exhibited lower caries prevalence in the permanent teeth (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Comparisons with international goals for oral health by the year 2000 show that the goal for 12 year-olds with respect to the status of the permanent dentition has been attained, but not the goal for 5-6 year olds with respect to caries-free primary teeth. It is likely that nutritional status may have different effects on susceptibility to caries of deciduous and permanent teeth.

Cross-sectional study of a child health care programme at one family practice centre in Saudi Arabia

We randomly selected 100 mothers with children under 2 years attending an immunization clinic to measure satisfaction with and the effects of a child health care programme. Mean duration of breastfeeding was 10.7 +/- 6.9 months; 37% of children were exclusively breastfed, 16% artificially fed and 47% mixed fed. Breastfeeding knowledge scores were good or fair for most mothers. Only 26% used effective contraception and 46% had a child-spacing of < 12 months. We found 78.6% of lactating mothers had well or fairly balanced diets. Process of care was satisfactory in 73% of records reviewed, programme structure was satisfactory and 91% of mothers were satisfied with the programme

Cross-sectional study of a child health care programme at one family practice centre in Saudi Arabia

We randomly selected 100 mothers with children under 2 years attending an immunization clinic to measure satisfaction with and the effects of a child health care programme. Mean duration of breastfeeding was 10.7 +/- 6.9 months; 37% of children were exclusively breastfed, 16% artificially fed and 47% mixed fed. Breastfeeding knowledge scores were good or fair for most mothers. Only 26% used effective contraception and 46% had a child-spacing of < or = 12 months. We found 78.6% of lactating mothers had well or fairly balanced diets. Process of care was satisfactory in 73% of records reviewed, programme structure was satisfactory and 91% of mothers were satisfied with the programme.

The need for traditional birth attendants -dayas- in Saudi Arabia

Preferences of women living in remote areas regarding delivery place and attendant were surveyed, opinions of primary health care [PHC] doctors about traditional birth attendants’ [TBA] maternal care were assessed and training needs for TBAs were identified using questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Home deliveries and TBAs were preferred by approximately 24% and 38% of the women respectively. The fact that they were women and psychological comfort were the main reasons for preferring TBAs. TBAs disclosed many harmful practices. No PHC centre help was sought by 75% of TBAs. Lack of cooperation between PHC centres and TBAs was a concern of most of the doctors. Training and links to PHC services for TBAs are needed

The need for traditional birth attendants (dayas) in Saudi Arabia

Preferences of women living in remote areas regarding delivery place and attendant were surveyed, opinions of primary health care (PHC) doctors about traditional birth attendants' (TBA) maternal care were assessed and training needs for TBAs were identified using questionnaires and a focus group discussion. Home deliveries and TBAs were preferred by approximately 24% and 38% of the women respectively. The fact that they were women and psychological comfort were the main reasons for preferring TBAs. TBAs disclosed many harmful practices. No PHC centre help was sought by 75% of TBAs. Lack of cooperation between PHC centres and TBAs was a concern of most of the doctors. Training and links to PHC services for TBAs are needed.

Compliance and control of diabetes in a family practice setting, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to identify some determinants of compliance with diet, anti-diabetic drugs and the appointment system amongst diabetic patients [n = 294]attending a family practice setting. The results showed that good compliance with diet was significantly higher among males [P = 0.01] and those with good diabetic control [P = 0.01], while good compliance with appointment systems was significantly associated with type II diabetes [P < 0.01]and good care [P < 0.01]. Compliance with drugs showed no significant association with any of the studied determinants [P > 0.05]. When multiple regression analysis was applied, the degree of control of diabetes, its duration and the total score of care were the only predictors of the three aspects of compliance [P < 0.05]

Compliance and control of diabetes in a family practice setting, Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to identify some determinants of compliance with diet, anti-diabetic drugs and the appointment system amongst diabetic patients (n = 294) attending a family practice setting. The results showed that good compliance with diet was significantly higher among males (P = 0.01) and those with good diabetic control (P = 0.01), while good compliance with appointment systems was significantly associated with type II diabetes (P < 0.01) and good care (P < 0.01). Compliance with drugs showed no significant association with any of the studied determinants (P > 0.05). When multiple regression analysis was applied, the degree of control of diabetes, its duration and the total score of care were the only predictors of the three aspects of compliance (P < 0.05).

Risk factors of coronary heart disease: attitude and behaviour in family practice in Saudi Arabia

To study risk factors of attitudes and behaviour towards coronary heart disease [CHD], 280 Saudis > or = 20 years attending a family practice answered a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire and had their weight, height, blood pressure and random total cholesterol measured. Significant difference was found between males and females in the mean number of cardiovascular risk factors [t = -3.03, P < 0.01]. Few people with high dietary fat intake, obesity or physical inactivity perceived their behaviour as harmful. The number of people who perceived an associated risk to their health increased with incidence of smoking and obesity but not with high fat intake. Physically inactive people were least likely to perceive their behaviour as harmful

Risk factors of coronary heart disease: attitude and behaviour in family practice in Saudi Arabia

To study risk factors of attitudes and behaviour towards coronary heart disease (CHD), 280 Saudis > or = 20 years attending a family practice answered a structured health and lifestyle questionnaire and had their weight, height, blood pressure and random total cholesterol measured. Significant difference was found between males and females in the mean number of cardiovascular risk factors (t = -3.03, P < 0.01). Few people with high dietary fat intake, obesity or physical inactivity perceived their behaviour as harmful. The number of people who perceived an associated risk to their health increased with incidence of smoking and obesity but not with high fat intake. Physically inactive people were least likely to perceive their behaviour as harmful.

Smoking habits of King Saud University students in Abha, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking among university students of King Saud University in Abha City, to determine ecological factors for the problem, and to assess the studentsâ knowledge about the health effects of smoking, and attitudes towards public action against smoking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All medical students at the University College of Medicine (MC) (n=202), and a representative sample of students of the College of Education (CE) (n=300), were subjected to a modified Arabic version of the World Health Organization standard questionnaire for young people to study their knowledge, attitudes and practices of smoking.

RESULTS

The study revealed the following results among students of the CE and those of the MC, respectively. Prevalence of regular smoking (17.5% vs. 13.6%; P=0.25); heavy smokers (39.5% vs. 27.8%; P=0.38); smokers of moderate- to high-nicotine yield (92.7% vs. 50%, P=0.0004), and tar yield (48.8% vs. 16.7%, P=0.02). Curiosity was the main reason for initiation of smoking (41.2% vs. 51.9%), followed by the desire to show off (27.5% vs. 51.9%, P=0.03), and peer pressure (27.5% vs. 7.4%, P=0.04). Friends were the main source of the first cigarette (53.1% vs. 55.6%), followed by parents (2% vs. 40.7%, P=0.0001). Most students were knowledgeable about smoking and had favorable attitudes against it. However, MC students were significantly more knowledgeable than those of the CE.

CONCLUSION

Smoking still constitutes a major problem among university students in Abha, in spite of their knowledge of its hazards. This may be due to the addictive effect of smoking, peer pressure, negative parental attitudes and other reasons. There is a need to implement an anti-smoking program for college students, and possibly legislation to limit the amount of tar and nicotine in cigarettes.

The validity of the Reflotron as a screening tool for blood cholesterol

Screening for blood cholesterol levels has become an essential need in many countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of Reflotron analyzer in screening for blood cholesterol in terms of its precision and accuracy. We have compared the results obtained by the Reflotron with those obtained by a standard hospital laboratory procedure for the same samples. An optimal precision that met the 1992 LSP standards for precision was observed (CV = 2.27%). On the other hand, a suboptimal accuracy of Reflotron was detected, where more than 80% of the Reflotron values differed from the reference laboratory values by more than 5%. As a consequence, 21% of individuals were misclassified as normal due to the very low sensitivity in spite of the optimum specificity observed for the Reflotron. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimum cut-off points giving the best validity values for the test were 170 mg/dl and 190 mg/dl (4.4 mmol/L and 4.9 mmol/L) for the border-line and true hypercholesterolemia, respectively. At these levels, sensitivity was 0.89 and 0.86, specificity 0.93 and 0.93, and positive predictive value was 0.91 and 0.82, respectively. Considering some limitations of the study, it is concluded that the Reflotron could be of more potential validity for the use in cholesterol measurement surveys when the recommended cut-off points are used.