Nermine N . Mahfouz | National Research Centre (original) (raw)
Papers by Nermine N . Mahfouz
Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2018
Background/Aim Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious and widespread public health problem. Vita... more Background/Aim Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious and widespread public health problem. Vitamin A has an important role in regulating human immune function. It increases rates and severity of infections in young children mainly in developing countries. The present study aims to assess the effect of vitamin A on cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and thymosin β4 (Tβ4) levels as indicators of adaptive immunity. Moreover, we evaluate the association between serum vitamin A concentration and BMI among Egyptian children and adolescents. Patients and methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 46 apparently healthy participants, including 19 girls and 27 boys aged from 3 to 17 years. We assessed weight and height using standard techniques. Serum vitamin A, CD4, and Tβ4 concentrations were assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We planned to divide the participants into vitamin A-sufficient and vitamin A-deficient groups according to its level. Results Cutoff for VAD was 44 μg/dl. It was detected in 56.6% of the enrolled participants. Vitamin A was significantly lower in teenagers comparative with children (P=0.04). Vitamin A and Tβ4 levels were significantly decreased in deficient group in comparison with sufficient one at P values of 0.002 and 0.017, respectively, whereas CD4 level was nonsignificantly decreased in vitamin A-deficient patients compared with the sufficient ones. A significant positive correlation was detected between vitamin A and both of CD4 (r=0.348, P=0.018) and Tβ4 (r=0.392, P=0.007). A significant positive correlation was found between vitamin A and BMI (r=0.311, P=0.035). Conclusion Vitamin A may influence Tβ4 and CD4 levels. This study is the first to explore the effect of vitamin A on Tβ4 level in children and adolescents and correlate it with CD4 level. This finding must be verified using large-scale studies.
BMC Pediatrics
Background Access to various affordable and nutritious foods is considered a challenging factor f... more Background Access to various affordable and nutritious foods is considered a challenging factor for households with limited resources affecting the proper weaning practices. In order to motivate communities to adhere to the right and proper weaning practices, the social aspect should be considered through close communication with the targeted communities. This study aimed to evaluate how impactful the use of the principles of Communication for Development (C4D) that respect parents’ beliefs and their cultural norms is in improving the weaning practices and growth of infants in an Egyptian village. Methods An interventional three-phase study was conducted for three years. The intervention targeted 464 mothers of infants up to 2 years of age. C4D interventions encouraged each mother to provide her baby with nutritious and varied options through age-appropriate introduction and diversification of nutrient-rich complementary foods under the slogan “ enjoy meals like a baby”. The effecti...
Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal
Background: The social isolation imposed by the pandemic of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19... more Background: The social isolation imposed by the pandemic of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has a probable impact on the adolescents’mental milestones that are inextricably intertwined with socio-emotional experiences. The physical school attendance is not only for academic achievement but it offers a unique opportunity for an interactive peer relationship. Independency, resilience, self confidence, abstract thinking, problem solving are few examples of the countless moral gains of school attendance. This mental wellbeing is the first line of defense in stressful conditions against anxiety and depression. Aim: To disclose the imprint of school closure as a stressor exposing adolescents to anxiety and depression. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty six adolescents were enrolled in our study. Two validated Egyptian inventories were used to screen for anxiety and depression. Sixty three candidates (group1) were assessed before school closure in comparison to another sixty ...
Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2020
Background/aim Obesity is one of the major health problems especially when started early in life,... more Background/aim Obesity is one of the major health problems especially when started early in life, and is associated with serious complications. The study aimed to focus on physical activity in a sample of Egyptian obese and nonobese adolescents. Patients and methods This study enrolled 89 adolescents of both sexes from the Medical Research Centre of Excellence at Cairo, Egypt, and were divided into two groups. Group 1, the obese group which included 45 children with a BMI more than or equal to 85th centile and group 2 the nonobese group which consisted of 44 matched peers with a BMI less than 85th centile. Physical habits were determined using a validated (yes or no) questionnaire according to WHO recommendations, Results Physical activity patterns and intensity in the studied individuals according to WHO recommendations differed between obese and nonobese adolescents as 33.3% of obese adolescents were involved in 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity compared with 15.9% of the nonobese group with a P value of 0.057,while 35.5% of obese adolescents were involved also in daily activity of more than 60 min compared with 15.9% of nonobese adolescents. In 73.3% of the obese group, most of their physical activity is aerobic compared with 40.9% of the nonobese group with a statistically significant difference, P value of 0.002. Of the obese group 4.4% were involved in vigorous-intensity activities three times per week at least including those that strengthen the muscle and the bone. Conclusions Physical activity is a habit encountered in obese adolescents than nonobese adolescents that is reflected on their answers of the questionnaire, regarding its pattern and intensity, which is beneficial to reduce the risk of development of chronic diseases, complications resulting from obesity and assist the promotion of healthy lifestyle.
Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal
Proper growth of children depends on several micronutrients. A fundamental role of Zinc and vitam... more Proper growth of children depends on several micronutrients. A fundamental role of Zinc and vitamins as A, B12 and D is crucial to prevent a failure to thrive. To study the relationship between Egyptian school aged children growth, nutritional habits and micronutrients deficiencies. Materials and methods: A case control research involved 60 school aged children (age ranged from 6 to 12 years). Group 1 (malnourished) compared with group II (apparently healthy children of matched peers). Serum concentrations of Zinc, Copper, and vitamins as A, B12, and D were measured using ELISA kits. Compared to controls, the cases showed significantly lower serum concentrations of Zinc, vitamin A, B12, and D (P<0.000 in all), while serum concentration of Copper was significantly higher. In the patient's group, serum vitamin B12, and Zinc concentrations showed significant positive correlation with height for age z- score, while serum Copper concentration showed significant negative correlatio...
Background:Children who like varieties in their food choices may carry these preferences througho... more Background:Children who like varieties in their food choices may carry these preferences throughout their childhood and beyond, affecting their health and growth. Therefore, the improvement of complementary feeding and weaning practices should be strongly supported. Aim:This study aimed at evaluating how impactful is the use of the Communication for behavioral development (C4D) approach on improving the weaning practices in an Egyptian village for 464 pregnant women and mothers of infants and improving the growth of infants 12-36 months of age. Methods: The study was an interventional three-phase study: assessment, intervention using the communication for behavioral development approach (C4D), and evaluation.The interventions encouraged each mother to provide her baby nutritious and varied options through age-appropriate introduction and diversification of nutrient-rich complementary foods under the slogan “enjoy meals like a baby”.Results:There was marked and significant improvemen...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
The glomerulus is the accessible window to visualize the endothelial status of the whole body. M... more The glomerulus is the accessible window to visualize the endothelial status of the whole body. Minimal level of albuminuria even below the cutoff point of microalbuminuria might be a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Exposure to Bisphenol A may be a risk factor of developing low-grade albuminuria in pediatrics. Aim: This study investigated the association of exposure to Bisphenol A and the presence of low-grade albuminuria. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolling 158 children; 91 boys and 67 girls. Children with hepatic disease, kidney disease and endocrinopathies were excluded from the study. Urinary albumin and creatinine were measured in a first morning urine specimen. Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was calculated in mg/gm and was stratified into: macroalbuminuria of ˃300mg/gm, microalbuminuria of 30-300mg/gm and low grade albuminuria of ˂30mg/gm. Urinary Bisphenol A was measured by high performance liquid chromatography using florescent detector. Results: Low grade albumi...
Tesis doctoral inédita. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bio... more Tesis doctoral inédita. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Molecular. Fecha de lectura: 30-06-09 Bibliogr.: p.135-148
Bulletin of the National Research Centre
Background High body mass index constitutes a risk for nephrolithiasis in the context of metaboli... more Background High body mass index constitutes a risk for nephrolithiasis in the context of metabolic syndrome. The majority of these renal stones are either composed of Urate or Calcium Oxalate. We aimed to evaluate the ratios of urinary Calcium and Uric Acid to urinary Creatinine as an early alarming pathological sign in overweight and obese adolescents. Ninety adolescents of both sexes participated in the study. Anthropometric measures were fulfilled, and calculation of body mass index and waist to height ratio were assessed. Urinary Calcium and urinary Uric Acid to Creatinine ratios were estimated in an early morning spot urine sample. Results Males and females had comparable values for solutes/Creatinine ratios. A highly significant negative correlation was detected between urinary Urate/Creatinine ratio and age of the child (P-value 0.001). Adolescents with higher body mass index had higher urinary Calcium/Creatinine and higher urinary Urate/Creatinine ratios but P-values were in...
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, routine vaccination is taking the second rank after the emergence of Corona... more BACKGROUND: Nowadays, routine vaccination is taking the second rank after the emergence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The fear of catching COVID-19 rendered a lot of caregivers reluctant to give their child the obligatory vaccines. AIM: The goal of our research was to assess awareness, commitment and adherence to compulsory immunization schedule during COVID-19 lockdown in Egypt. MATERIALS (SUBJECTS) AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire (Google form) was designed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on adherence to compulsory vaccinations. Our target candidates were parents of infants in an age group from birth to 2 years old, that is, births from June 2018 to June 2020. RESULTS: In our study, 96.3% of children received Bacillus Calmette–Guerin vaccine on time. About 32.8% did not receive the obligatory booster dose vaccines at 18 months. Among the infants of >1 year, 95.3% received the obligatory vaccination in time at 2, 4, and 6 months of age compared to on...
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, 2017
Background/Purpose: Nephrotic syndrome is the commonest etiology of proteinuria in children. Ster... more Background/Purpose: Nephrotic syndrome is the commonest etiology of proteinuria in children. Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is defined by resistance to standard steroid therapy, and it continues to be one of the most intractable etiologies of renal failure. Molecular studies discovered specialized molecules in podocytes that play a role in proteinuria. Mutations in NPHS2 that encodes for podocin constitute a frequent cause of SRNS worldwide. This study aimed to screen for podocin mutations in SRNS Egyptian children and their parents. Methods: Our study included patients from 10 unrelated Egyptian families diagnosed with SRNS. Mutational analysis of the NPHS2 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the whole coding region of the gene and direct sequencing. Results: Positive consanguinity was detected in five cases, and four of them had a positive family history of SRNS in a family member. Mutational analysis of NPHS2 revealed pathogenic mutations in four cases (40%) including a novel missense in one patient (c.1A>T; p.M1L). Conclusion: Our study concludes that mutations of NPHS2 gene are common among Egyptian children with SRNS. We support a model where ethnicity plays an important role in specific NPHS2 mutations, since a novel mutation was found in one patient in this study. Future study on a large number of Egyptian patients with SRNS is warranted to identify the actual genetic
Introduction. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endotheliumdependent relaxing factors released by t... more Introduction. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endotheliumdependent relaxing factors released by the vascular endothelium. It is decreased in chronic kidney disease. It was found that higher levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-13 are associated with mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the disturbance in NO in chronic kideny failure and its relationship with hypertension and inflammatory and nutritional parameters, as indirect indexes of uremic oxidative stress. Materials and Methods. This study included 31 children consisting of 23 children, aged from 4 to 18 years old, with ESRD, on regular hemodialysis, and 8 children admitted to hospital for other diseases (control group). Predialysis blood samples were tested for IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO, and were compared with the control group. Results. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher in children on hemodialysis as compared...
Article history: Received on: 11/09/2017 Accepted on: 07/11/2017 Available online: 30/12/2017 Bac... more Article history: Received on: 11/09/2017 Accepted on: 07/11/2017 Available online: 30/12/2017 Background: Bisphenol A is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that interferes with hormone action and contributes to disease and disability. Objective: To estimate the concentrations of urinary Bisphenol A in a sample of Egyptian children from different socioeconomic levels Methods: A cross-sectional study included 167 children aged 2-18 years of both sexes. Socio-demographic data were evaluated and estimation of urinary Bisphenol A using high performance liquid chromatography was done. Urinary Bisphenol A, was categorized into quartiles (<1.3, 1.3–<2.6, 2.6–4.9, >4.9) ng/mL and was associated and analyzed with the social class. Results: The total urinary Bisphenol A ranged from 0.1 to 18.9 ng/ml with a mean 1.29 (+2.09), median 0.67 and geometric mean 0.68. According to parental occupation and education children were divided into 3 social classes: low (21.5%), middle (41.1%), and hi...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
Background: Obesity is well known as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Thus ... more Background: Obesity is well known as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Thus meticulous assessment of renal function is more essential in obese individuals. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is commonly estimated based on serum creatinine (Cr). However, using Cr as marker of kidney function has some limitations and Cystatin C has been reported as an alternative marker. Aim of work: This study was designed to assess renal function using both GFR and cystatin in obese adolescents. Methods: This case-control study enrolled ninety Egyptian adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years old who were divided equally into two groups according to body mass index (obese and non-obese). Each participant was subjected to full medical history taking, anthropometric measures, and Laboratory investigation including CBC, serum Cr, estimated GFR and cystatin C. Results: Serum Cr level was significantly higher in obese adolescents compared to non-obese mean value (0.94) and (0.79) re...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
BACKGROUND: Body weight concern and belief in adolescent females are of great importance. They ar... more BACKGROUND: Body weight concern and belief in adolescent females are of great importance. They are the keys to successful dietary interventions including dietary habits’ modifications to practice a healthy diet. This critical phase of transition from childhood to adulthood is the most sensitive stage of behavioural rectification.AIM: This study was conducted with the aim to figure out the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and the association of body image satisfaction and believe with body mass index in adolescent girls aged 16-18 years.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and three Egyptian adolescent females were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Their mean age was (17.4 ± 0.64) years old. Self-administered questionnaires about the students’ body satisfaction and weight belief were answered by the candidates. Their body mass index was calculated. Also, sociodemographic data were collected. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 16.0. Chi-square test was conducted...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a phase of rapid growth and increased nutritional needs. It includes t... more BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a phase of rapid growth and increased nutritional needs. It includes the stressful burden of pubertal changes, both physically and psychologically. Moreover, it is associated with the utmost need for independence and identity formation. An adolescent finds a great way to practice taking their own decisions by making personal food choices. But unfortunately, wrong dietary choices lead to unsatisfactory nutritional status. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of six eating behaviours among adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on ninety Egyptian adolescents from 10 to 18 years old. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The cases were forty-five children with body mass index ≥ 85th percentile. The control group involved forty-five of matched peers with body mass index ˂ 85th centile. A questionnaire form was constructed according to local customs in Egypt. RESULTS: Two unhealthy behaviours ...
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Medical Research Journal, 2016
Iranian journal of kidney diseases, 2013
Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endothelium-dependent relaxing factors released by the vascular e... more Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endothelium-dependent relaxing factors released by the vascular endothelium. It is decreased in chronic kidney disease. It was found that higher levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, and IL-13 are associated with mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the disturbance in NO in chronic kideny failure and its relationship with hypertension and inflammatory and nutritional parameters, as indirect indexes of uremic oxidative stress. This study included 31 children consisting of 23 children, aged from 4 to 18 years old, with ESRD, on regular hemodialysis, and 8 children admitted to hospital for other diseases (control group). Predialysis blood samples were tested for IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and NO, and were compared with the control group. Serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were significantly higher in children on hemodialysis as compared to the control ...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016
There are no reports regarding the influence of vitamin D on thymosin ß4 and the cluster of diffe... more There are no reports regarding the influence of vitamin D on thymosin ß4 and the cluster of differentiation CD4 levels which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Consequently, we aimed to explore this relationship through a study. The study was carried out on 35 subjects, screened for 25-hydroxy vitamin D[25 (OH) D] using ELISA method and they were divided into two groups: Group 1 consists of 10 healthy subjects with sufficient vit. D level &amp;gt; 24.8 ng/ml. Group 2 consists of 25 subjects suffering, severely, from vitamin D deficiency at level &amp;lt; 11.325 ng/ml. Also, Thymosin ß4, CD4 and zinc levels were performed. There were significant differences between the two groups in the concentration levels of thymosin β4, as the group 1 has shown higher levels (P = 0.005). Whereas, CD4 and zinc levels didn&amp;#39;t show any significant difference between the two groups. At the same time, a significant positive correlation has been observed between vitamin D, thymosin β4, and CD4 at (r = 0.719; P = 0.001), and (r = 0.559, P = 0.001) respectively. We concluded that vitamin D may be an essential factor that influence or determine the level of thymosin β4. This study is the first that focused on demonstrating that sufficient level of vitamin D may have the ability to influence the thymic hormone thymosin β4 levels. Further studies on large scale of subjects are needed to explore the positive correlation we had found between vitamin D and thymosin β4 and CD4.
Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2018
Background/Aim Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious and widespread public health problem. Vita... more Background/Aim Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious and widespread public health problem. Vitamin A has an important role in regulating human immune function. It increases rates and severity of infections in young children mainly in developing countries. The present study aims to assess the effect of vitamin A on cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and thymosin β4 (Tβ4) levels as indicators of adaptive immunity. Moreover, we evaluate the association between serum vitamin A concentration and BMI among Egyptian children and adolescents. Patients and methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 46 apparently healthy participants, including 19 girls and 27 boys aged from 3 to 17 years. We assessed weight and height using standard techniques. Serum vitamin A, CD4, and Tβ4 concentrations were assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We planned to divide the participants into vitamin A-sufficient and vitamin A-deficient groups according to its level. Results Cutoff for VAD was 44 μg/dl. It was detected in 56.6% of the enrolled participants. Vitamin A was significantly lower in teenagers comparative with children (P=0.04). Vitamin A and Tβ4 levels were significantly decreased in deficient group in comparison with sufficient one at P values of 0.002 and 0.017, respectively, whereas CD4 level was nonsignificantly decreased in vitamin A-deficient patients compared with the sufficient ones. A significant positive correlation was detected between vitamin A and both of CD4 (r=0.348, P=0.018) and Tβ4 (r=0.392, P=0.007). A significant positive correlation was found between vitamin A and BMI (r=0.311, P=0.035). Conclusion Vitamin A may influence Tβ4 and CD4 levels. This study is the first to explore the effect of vitamin A on Tβ4 level in children and adolescents and correlate it with CD4 level. This finding must be verified using large-scale studies.
BMC Pediatrics
Background Access to various affordable and nutritious foods is considered a challenging factor f... more Background Access to various affordable and nutritious foods is considered a challenging factor for households with limited resources affecting the proper weaning practices. In order to motivate communities to adhere to the right and proper weaning practices, the social aspect should be considered through close communication with the targeted communities. This study aimed to evaluate how impactful the use of the principles of Communication for Development (C4D) that respect parents’ beliefs and their cultural norms is in improving the weaning practices and growth of infants in an Egyptian village. Methods An interventional three-phase study was conducted for three years. The intervention targeted 464 mothers of infants up to 2 years of age. C4D interventions encouraged each mother to provide her baby with nutritious and varied options through age-appropriate introduction and diversification of nutrient-rich complementary foods under the slogan “ enjoy meals like a baby”. The effecti...
Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal
Background: The social isolation imposed by the pandemic of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19... more Background: The social isolation imposed by the pandemic of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has a probable impact on the adolescents’mental milestones that are inextricably intertwined with socio-emotional experiences. The physical school attendance is not only for academic achievement but it offers a unique opportunity for an interactive peer relationship. Independency, resilience, self confidence, abstract thinking, problem solving are few examples of the countless moral gains of school attendance. This mental wellbeing is the first line of defense in stressful conditions against anxiety and depression. Aim: To disclose the imprint of school closure as a stressor exposing adolescents to anxiety and depression. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty six adolescents were enrolled in our study. Two validated Egyptian inventories were used to screen for anxiety and depression. Sixty three candidates (group1) were assessed before school closure in comparison to another sixty ...
Journal of The Arab Society for Medical Research, 2020
Background/aim Obesity is one of the major health problems especially when started early in life,... more Background/aim Obesity is one of the major health problems especially when started early in life, and is associated with serious complications. The study aimed to focus on physical activity in a sample of Egyptian obese and nonobese adolescents. Patients and methods This study enrolled 89 adolescents of both sexes from the Medical Research Centre of Excellence at Cairo, Egypt, and were divided into two groups. Group 1, the obese group which included 45 children with a BMI more than or equal to 85th centile and group 2 the nonobese group which consisted of 44 matched peers with a BMI less than 85th centile. Physical habits were determined using a validated (yes or no) questionnaire according to WHO recommendations, Results Physical activity patterns and intensity in the studied individuals according to WHO recommendations differed between obese and nonobese adolescents as 33.3% of obese adolescents were involved in 60 min of moderate to vigorous physical activity compared with 15.9% of the nonobese group with a P value of 0.057,while 35.5% of obese adolescents were involved also in daily activity of more than 60 min compared with 15.9% of nonobese adolescents. In 73.3% of the obese group, most of their physical activity is aerobic compared with 40.9% of the nonobese group with a statistically significant difference, P value of 0.002. Of the obese group 4.4% were involved in vigorous-intensity activities three times per week at least including those that strengthen the muscle and the bone. Conclusions Physical activity is a habit encountered in obese adolescents than nonobese adolescents that is reflected on their answers of the questionnaire, regarding its pattern and intensity, which is beneficial to reduce the risk of development of chronic diseases, complications resulting from obesity and assist the promotion of healthy lifestyle.
Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal
Proper growth of children depends on several micronutrients. A fundamental role of Zinc and vitam... more Proper growth of children depends on several micronutrients. A fundamental role of Zinc and vitamins as A, B12 and D is crucial to prevent a failure to thrive. To study the relationship between Egyptian school aged children growth, nutritional habits and micronutrients deficiencies. Materials and methods: A case control research involved 60 school aged children (age ranged from 6 to 12 years). Group 1 (malnourished) compared with group II (apparently healthy children of matched peers). Serum concentrations of Zinc, Copper, and vitamins as A, B12, and D were measured using ELISA kits. Compared to controls, the cases showed significantly lower serum concentrations of Zinc, vitamin A, B12, and D (P<0.000 in all), while serum concentration of Copper was significantly higher. In the patient's group, serum vitamin B12, and Zinc concentrations showed significant positive correlation with height for age z- score, while serum Copper concentration showed significant negative correlatio...
Background:Children who like varieties in their food choices may carry these preferences througho... more Background:Children who like varieties in their food choices may carry these preferences throughout their childhood and beyond, affecting their health and growth. Therefore, the improvement of complementary feeding and weaning practices should be strongly supported. Aim:This study aimed at evaluating how impactful is the use of the Communication for behavioral development (C4D) approach on improving the weaning practices in an Egyptian village for 464 pregnant women and mothers of infants and improving the growth of infants 12-36 months of age. Methods: The study was an interventional three-phase study: assessment, intervention using the communication for behavioral development approach (C4D), and evaluation.The interventions encouraged each mother to provide her baby nutritious and varied options through age-appropriate introduction and diversification of nutrient-rich complementary foods under the slogan “enjoy meals like a baby”.Results:There was marked and significant improvemen...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2021
The glomerulus is the accessible window to visualize the endothelial status of the whole body. M... more The glomerulus is the accessible window to visualize the endothelial status of the whole body. Minimal level of albuminuria even below the cutoff point of microalbuminuria might be a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Exposure to Bisphenol A may be a risk factor of developing low-grade albuminuria in pediatrics. Aim: This study investigated the association of exposure to Bisphenol A and the presence of low-grade albuminuria. Methods: A cross-sectional study enrolling 158 children; 91 boys and 67 girls. Children with hepatic disease, kidney disease and endocrinopathies were excluded from the study. Urinary albumin and creatinine were measured in a first morning urine specimen. Urinary albumin/creatinine ratio was calculated in mg/gm and was stratified into: macroalbuminuria of ˃300mg/gm, microalbuminuria of 30-300mg/gm and low grade albuminuria of ˂30mg/gm. Urinary Bisphenol A was measured by high performance liquid chromatography using florescent detector. Results: Low grade albumi...
Tesis doctoral inédita. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Bio... more Tesis doctoral inédita. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Molecular. Fecha de lectura: 30-06-09 Bibliogr.: p.135-148
Bulletin of the National Research Centre
Background High body mass index constitutes a risk for nephrolithiasis in the context of metaboli... more Background High body mass index constitutes a risk for nephrolithiasis in the context of metabolic syndrome. The majority of these renal stones are either composed of Urate or Calcium Oxalate. We aimed to evaluate the ratios of urinary Calcium and Uric Acid to urinary Creatinine as an early alarming pathological sign in overweight and obese adolescents. Ninety adolescents of both sexes participated in the study. Anthropometric measures were fulfilled, and calculation of body mass index and waist to height ratio were assessed. Urinary Calcium and urinary Uric Acid to Creatinine ratios were estimated in an early morning spot urine sample. Results Males and females had comparable values for solutes/Creatinine ratios. A highly significant negative correlation was detected between urinary Urate/Creatinine ratio and age of the child (P-value 0.001). Adolescents with higher body mass index had higher urinary Calcium/Creatinine and higher urinary Urate/Creatinine ratios but P-values were in...
BACKGROUND: Nowadays, routine vaccination is taking the second rank after the emergence of Corona... more BACKGROUND: Nowadays, routine vaccination is taking the second rank after the emergence of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The fear of catching COVID-19 rendered a lot of caregivers reluctant to give their child the obligatory vaccines. AIM: The goal of our research was to assess awareness, commitment and adherence to compulsory immunization schedule during COVID-19 lockdown in Egypt. MATERIALS (SUBJECTS) AND METHODS: An electronic questionnaire (Google form) was designed to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on adherence to compulsory vaccinations. Our target candidates were parents of infants in an age group from birth to 2 years old, that is, births from June 2018 to June 2020. RESULTS: In our study, 96.3% of children received Bacillus Calmette–Guerin vaccine on time. About 32.8% did not receive the obligatory booster dose vaccines at 18 months. Among the infants of >1 year, 95.3% received the obligatory vaccination in time at 2, 4, and 6 months of age compared to on...
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, 2017
Background/Purpose: Nephrotic syndrome is the commonest etiology of proteinuria in children. Ster... more Background/Purpose: Nephrotic syndrome is the commonest etiology of proteinuria in children. Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is defined by resistance to standard steroid therapy, and it continues to be one of the most intractable etiologies of renal failure. Molecular studies discovered specialized molecules in podocytes that play a role in proteinuria. Mutations in NPHS2 that encodes for podocin constitute a frequent cause of SRNS worldwide. This study aimed to screen for podocin mutations in SRNS Egyptian children and their parents. Methods: Our study included patients from 10 unrelated Egyptian families diagnosed with SRNS. Mutational analysis of the NPHS2 gene was performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the whole coding region of the gene and direct sequencing. Results: Positive consanguinity was detected in five cases, and four of them had a positive family history of SRNS in a family member. Mutational analysis of NPHS2 revealed pathogenic mutations in four cases (40%) including a novel missense in one patient (c.1A>T; p.M1L). Conclusion: Our study concludes that mutations of NPHS2 gene are common among Egyptian children with SRNS. We support a model where ethnicity plays an important role in specific NPHS2 mutations, since a novel mutation was found in one patient in this study. Future study on a large number of Egyptian patients with SRNS is warranted to identify the actual genetic
Introduction. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endotheliumdependent relaxing factors released by t... more Introduction. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endotheliumdependent relaxing factors released by the vascular endothelium. It is decreased in chronic kidney disease. It was found that higher levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-13 are associated with mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the disturbance in NO in chronic kideny failure and its relationship with hypertension and inflammatory and nutritional parameters, as indirect indexes of uremic oxidative stress. Materials and Methods. This study included 31 children consisting of 23 children, aged from 4 to 18 years old, with ESRD, on regular hemodialysis, and 8 children admitted to hospital for other diseases (control group). Predialysis blood samples were tested for IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO, and were compared with the control group. Results. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were significantly higher in children on hemodialysis as compared...
Article history: Received on: 11/09/2017 Accepted on: 07/11/2017 Available online: 30/12/2017 Bac... more Article history: Received on: 11/09/2017 Accepted on: 07/11/2017 Available online: 30/12/2017 Background: Bisphenol A is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that interferes with hormone action and contributes to disease and disability. Objective: To estimate the concentrations of urinary Bisphenol A in a sample of Egyptian children from different socioeconomic levels Methods: A cross-sectional study included 167 children aged 2-18 years of both sexes. Socio-demographic data were evaluated and estimation of urinary Bisphenol A using high performance liquid chromatography was done. Urinary Bisphenol A, was categorized into quartiles (<1.3, 1.3–<2.6, 2.6–4.9, >4.9) ng/mL and was associated and analyzed with the social class. Results: The total urinary Bisphenol A ranged from 0.1 to 18.9 ng/ml with a mean 1.29 (+2.09), median 0.67 and geometric mean 0.68. According to parental occupation and education children were divided into 3 social classes: low (21.5%), middle (41.1%), and hi...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
Background: Obesity is well known as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Thus ... more Background: Obesity is well known as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Thus meticulous assessment of renal function is more essential in obese individuals. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is commonly estimated based on serum creatinine (Cr). However, using Cr as marker of kidney function has some limitations and Cystatin C has been reported as an alternative marker. Aim of work: This study was designed to assess renal function using both GFR and cystatin in obese adolescents. Methods: This case-control study enrolled ninety Egyptian adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years old who were divided equally into two groups according to body mass index (obese and non-obese). Each participant was subjected to full medical history taking, anthropometric measures, and Laboratory investigation including CBC, serum Cr, estimated GFR and cystatin C. Results: Serum Cr level was significantly higher in obese adolescents compared to non-obese mean value (0.94) and (0.79) re...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
BACKGROUND: Body weight concern and belief in adolescent females are of great importance. They ar... more BACKGROUND: Body weight concern and belief in adolescent females are of great importance. They are the keys to successful dietary interventions including dietary habits’ modifications to practice a healthy diet. This critical phase of transition from childhood to adulthood is the most sensitive stage of behavioural rectification.AIM: This study was conducted with the aim to figure out the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and the association of body image satisfaction and believe with body mass index in adolescent girls aged 16-18 years.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and three Egyptian adolescent females were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Their mean age was (17.4 ± 0.64) years old. Self-administered questionnaires about the students’ body satisfaction and weight belief were answered by the candidates. Their body mass index was calculated. Also, sociodemographic data were collected. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 16.0. Chi-square test was conducted...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a phase of rapid growth and increased nutritional needs. It includes t... more BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a phase of rapid growth and increased nutritional needs. It includes the stressful burden of pubertal changes, both physically and psychologically. Moreover, it is associated with the utmost need for independence and identity formation. An adolescent finds a great way to practice taking their own decisions by making personal food choices. But unfortunately, wrong dietary choices lead to unsatisfactory nutritional status. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of six eating behaviours among adolescents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted on ninety Egyptian adolescents from 10 to 18 years old. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The cases were forty-five children with body mass index ≥ 85th percentile. The control group involved forty-five of matched peers with body mass index ˂ 85th centile. A questionnaire form was constructed according to local customs in Egypt. RESULTS: Two unhealthy behaviours ...
Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Medical Research Journal, 2016
Iranian journal of kidney diseases, 2013
Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endothelium-dependent relaxing factors released by the vascular e... more Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the endothelium-dependent relaxing factors released by the vascular endothelium. It is decreased in chronic kidney disease. It was found that higher levels of circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, and IL-13 are associated with mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the disturbance in NO in chronic kideny failure and its relationship with hypertension and inflammatory and nutritional parameters, as indirect indexes of uremic oxidative stress. This study included 31 children consisting of 23 children, aged from 4 to 18 years old, with ESRD, on regular hemodialysis, and 8 children admitted to hospital for other diseases (control group). Predialysis blood samples were tested for IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and NO, and were compared with the control group. Serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta were significantly higher in children on hemodialysis as compared to the control ...
Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2016
There are no reports regarding the influence of vitamin D on thymosin ß4 and the cluster of diffe... more There are no reports regarding the influence of vitamin D on thymosin ß4 and the cluster of differentiation CD4 levels which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Consequently, we aimed to explore this relationship through a study. The study was carried out on 35 subjects, screened for 25-hydroxy vitamin D[25 (OH) D] using ELISA method and they were divided into two groups: Group 1 consists of 10 healthy subjects with sufficient vit. D level &amp;gt; 24.8 ng/ml. Group 2 consists of 25 subjects suffering, severely, from vitamin D deficiency at level &amp;lt; 11.325 ng/ml. Also, Thymosin ß4, CD4 and zinc levels were performed. There were significant differences between the two groups in the concentration levels of thymosin β4, as the group 1 has shown higher levels (P = 0.005). Whereas, CD4 and zinc levels didn&amp;#39;t show any significant difference between the two groups. At the same time, a significant positive correlation has been observed between vitamin D, thymosin β4, and CD4 at (r = 0.719; P = 0.001), and (r = 0.559, P = 0.001) respectively. We concluded that vitamin D may be an essential factor that influence or determine the level of thymosin β4. This study is the first that focused on demonstrating that sufficient level of vitamin D may have the ability to influence the thymic hormone thymosin β4 levels. Further studies on large scale of subjects are needed to explore the positive correlation we had found between vitamin D and thymosin β4 and CD4.