Exploring factors for antibiotic over-prescription in children with acute upper respiratory tract infections in Assiut, Egypt: a qualitative study.

Background: Over-prescription of antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, which is a global health threat. Egypt has alarmingly high rates of antibiotic over-prescription for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in children. To effectively address this issue, it is important to understand the various factors that influence prescription behaviors.

Over prescription of antibiotics in children with acute upper respiratory tract infections: A study on the knowledge, attitude and practices of non-specialized physicians in Egypt.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the global public health threats. Increased antibiotic consumption in humans, animals, and agriculture has contributed directly to the spread of AMR. Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are one of the most common conditions treated by antibiotics, even if unnecessary as in cases of viral infections and self-limited conditions which represent the most cases of URIs.

Behavioral and emotional effects of repeated general anesthesia in young children.

Background: Preclinical and clinical data suggest the possibility of neurotoxicity following exposure of young children to general anesthetics with subsequent behavioral disturbances. The aim of the study was to determine the overall effect of repeated general anesthesia on behavior and emotions of young children aged 1½-5 years old, compared to healthy children.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-five children underwent repeated anesthesia and surgery were matched with the same number of healthy children who attended vaccination clinic, as a control group.

Behavioral impact of sickle cell disease in young children with repeated hospitalization.

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) in children with a history of repeated hospitalization is distressing for children as well as their parents leading to anxiety and has negative effects on the psychological state of children and their families.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the overall effect of SCD on the behavior of young children age 1½ to 5 years old who had repeated history of hospitalization, compared to a control group of healthy children attended a vaccination clinic.

Patients And Methods: Thirty-five children of age 1½ to 5 years who have SCD and repeated history of hospitalization were recruited from pediatric clinic as the study group and matched with same number of healthy children who attended vaccination clinic, as a control group.

Effects of intrapartum epidural analgesia at high altitudes: maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. A randomized controlled trial of two formulations of analgesics.

Objectives: To investigate whether intrapartum epidural analgesics (bupivacaine or ropivacaine) have an influence (safety and efficacy) on mothers, fetuses, or newborns at high altitudes (2,200 m above the sea level).

Design: Prospective randomized trial.

Setting: A tertiary referral hospital in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.

Effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate therapy on cerebral and systemic hemodynamics in preterm newborns.

Objectives: To investigate whether antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO(4)) exposure has an influence on cerebral blood flow and systemic hemodynamics in preterm infants during the first few days of life.

Design: Prospective case-control study.

Setting: University affiliated referral hospital.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in human trophoblasts of normal and preeclamptic placentas: preliminary findings.

Objective: Here we test the hypothesis that "the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 proteins is altered in preeclamptic placentas compared to placentas of normal pregnancy."

Patients And Methods: This case-control study includes preeclamptic placentas (40 women with preeclampsia) from a singleton pregnancy and placentas of normal pregnancies (control group, 40 women with uncomplicated pregnancy). The expression patterns of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 were examined using immunohistochemical staining methods.

The effect of calcium supplementation during pregnancy on fetal and infant growth: a nested randomized controlled trial within WHO calcium supplementation trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether prenatal calcium supplementation affects fetal and infant growth during the first year of life.

Methods: Ninety-one pregnant women and 159 mothers and their infants enrolled beginning before 20 weeks gestation, and women received daily supplements containing either 1.5 g calcium or placebo.

Will a handheld ultrasound scanner be applicable for screening for heart abnormalities in newborns and children?

Background: There is significant interest in opportunities to provide echocardiography services for detection of congenital heart disease with portable, or even handheld, devices in remote areas or third world countries where conventional ultrasound systems may not be available. We tested a handheld system (HHS) (SonoHeart, SonoSite Inc, Bothell, Wash) equipped with a broadband, 7- to 4-MHz, miniaturized, curved, linear-array transducer and implemented with an improved directional Doppler flow map.

Methods: All echocardiography scanning was performed in the neonatal nursery, pediatric intensive care department, or pediatric echocardiography laboratory of our institution.